Which of the following is another name for cellulose?

• A. Chitin
• B. Amylose
• C. Glycogen
• D. β-1,4-glucan

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of cellulose: Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of β-D-glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is a major structural component of plant cell walls.
2. Compare cellulose with the other options: Chitin is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungi, composed of N-acetylglucosamine units. Amylose is a component of starch, consisting of α-D-glucose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Glycogen is a storage polysaccharide in animals, composed of α-D-glucose units with α-1,4 and α-1,6-glycosidic bonds.
3. Recognize the alternative name for cellulose: The term β-1,4-glucan refers to the specific type of glycosidic linkage (β-1,4) between glucose molecules in cellulose.
4. Relate the structural features of cellulose to its alternative name: Since cellulose is composed of β-D-glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, the name β-1,4-glucan accurately describes its structure.
5. Conclude that β-1,4-glucan is another name for cellulose based on its chemical composition and linkage type.