# Explain how the molecular structure of cellulose makes it suitable for its role as a structural component of plant cell walls.

> IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus) — B1.1 Carbohydrates and lipids · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Cellulose is composed of β-glucose monomers linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds.
2. Alternating glucose monomers are flipped 180° relative to each other, producing straight, unbranched chains.
3. Parallel chains form hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl (–OH) groups on adjacent chains, bundling them into microfibrils.
4. The resulting microfibrils provide high tensile strength, resisting the turgor pressure of the plant cell and maintaining cell shape.

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