# Explain why cellulose is well suited to its role in plant cell walls.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.2 Carbohydrates · Explain · 5 marks

> Plant cell walls are made from cellulose, a carbohydrate that provides structural support. Cellulose is formed from glucose monomers joined together in long chains.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Cellulose is made from many glucose monomers joined together (forming a polymer / polysaccharide)
2. The chains are arranged in bundles / microfibrils (giving strength)
3. Cellulose is insoluble (so it does not dissolve / does not affect osmosis inside the cell)
4. The cell wall provides structural support / rigidity to the cell (preventing the cell from bursting / maintaining cell shape)
5. Cellulose is not broken down easily / is chemically stable (so it provides long-lasting structural support / is not used as a respiratory substrate)

## Key terms

- [cellulose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cellulose)
- [cell wall](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-wall)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-cellulose-is-well-suited-91239f64) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.