Which of the following carbohydrates is the primary structural component of plant cell walls?

• A. Cellulose
• B. Glycogen
• C. Starch

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of carbohydrates in biological systems. Carbohydrates serve various functions, including energy storage and structural support. In plants, certain carbohydrates are specifically adapted for structural purposes.
2. Step 2: Recall the primary structural component of plant cell walls. The cell wall provides rigidity and protection to plant cells, and its main structural carbohydrate is cellulose.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the options provided: Glycogen, Starch, and Cellulose. Glycogen is an energy storage molecule found in animals, while starch is an energy storage molecule found in plants. Cellulose, on the other hand, is a polysaccharide specifically designed for structural support in plant cell walls.
4. Step 4: Examine the molecular structure of cellulose. Cellulose is composed of β-glucose monomers linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, forming long, unbranched chains. These chains are bundled together into fibers, providing tensile strength to the cell wall.
5. Step 5: Conclude that cellulose is the correct answer based on its unique role and structure. Glycogen and starch are not involved in the structural composition of plant cell walls, as their primary function is energy storage.