Difference Between Starch And Cellulose
Difference Between Starch And Cellulose; Starch is a digestible carbohydrate found in plant foods and cellulose is also composed of glucose, forms the robust structure of plant cell walls, providing dietary fiber. Read & Get more insights
Praveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Starch And Cellulose : In the NEET syllabus , aspiring medical students encounter the terms starch and cellulose. Starch, resembling an energy-packed spiral is a digestible carbohydrate found in plant foods. In contrast, cellulose, also composed of glucose, forms the robust structure of plant cell walls, providing dietary fiber.
PW's dedicated online batches for NEET preparation help students in understanding the terms of biochemistry. Bridging the gap between complex concepts and simplified understanding, PW empowers NEET aspirants with targeted materials and expert guidance, paving the way for success in comprehending the concept of starch, cellulose, and their importance in the NEET Syllabus.Difference Between Starch And Cellulose
If you are engaged in NEET studies, understanding the difference between starch and cellulose is crucially important to understand these two terminologies. Starch is the energy bank for plants, forming a spiral structure that we can digest, found in foods like potatoes. On the other hand, cellulose, also made of glucose, builds plant cell walls with a straight structure. Even though cellulose is a fiber superhero for our digestive system, we can't fully break it down. It's like comparing a potato to the tough walls of a plant fortress – both made of glucose but serving different purposes in the plant and our bodies.Difference Between Starch And Cellulose Overview
If you are preparing for biochemistry while studying for NEET, exploring the differences between starch and cellulose is crucial for NEET aspirants. Starch, a digestible energy source in plants, contrasts with cellulose, a non-digestible fiber forming plant cell walls. Simplifying this complex topic, here is a detailed table below, outlining the key distinctions for effective understanding in NEET preparation.| Difference Between Starch And Cellulose | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameters | Starch | Cellulose |
| Structure | Polymer of glucose | Polymer of glucose |
| Function | Energy storage in plants | Structural components in plant cell walls |
| Digestibility | Digestible by humans (broken down into glucose) | Indigestible by humans (fiber) |
| Chemical Bonds | α-glucosidic bonds | β-glucosidic bonds |
| Branching | Typically branched | Generally linear |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Insoluble in water |
| Examples | Found in potatoes, rice, and wheat | Found in plant cell walls, wood, and cotton |
| Usage | Source of carbohydrates for humans | Adds fiber to the diet, aids in digestion |
What is Starch?
Starch is a carbohydrate, a polymer of glucose molecules linked by α-glucosidic bonds. It serves as a major energy storage compound in plants, especially in seeds and tubers. Starch is commonly found in foods like potatoes, rice, and wheat. In the human digestive system, enzymes break down starch into glucose, providing a vital energy source.Example : When you eat a baked potato, the starch it contains is broken down into glucose during digestion, providing your body with energy.
What is Cellulose?
Cellulose is also a carbohydrate, composed of glucose molecules linked by β-glucosidic bonds. Unlike starch, cellulose is a structural component in the cell walls of plants, providing rigidity and strength. While humans cannot digest cellulose, it is essential as dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.Example: Wood and cotton are rich in cellulose. The fibers in these materials are made up of intertwined cellulose chains, giving them strength and durability.
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What is the basic structural difference between starch and cellulose Class 12 Ncert?
In Class 12 NCERT, students learn that the key structural difference lies in the type of glycosidic bonds. Starch has α-glucosidic bonds, making it helical and digestible by humans, while cellulose contains β-glucosidic bonds, resulting in a linear structure and indigestibility.
What is the difference between starch and glycogen MBBS?
Starch and glycogen both serve as energy storage molecules, but glycogen is the primary storage form of glucose in animals, particularly in the liver and muscles. Structurally, glycogen is highly branched, allowing for rapid glucose release when needed.
What test distinguishes between starch and cellulose?
Iodine test is commonly used to distinguish between starch and cellulose. Iodine forms a blue-black color when it reacts with starch but does not show this reaction with cellulose.
What are the differences between starch and cellulose structure?
Starch: Helical structure due to α-glucosidic bonds, typically branched.
Cellulose: Linear structure due to β-glucosidic bonds, forming long chains with hydrogen bonding, providing rigidity.
Can Humans Digest Cellulose?
No, humans cannot digest cellulose. Lack of enzymes capable of breaking β-glucosidic bonds results in cellulose passing through the digestive system as dietary fiber. Though important for gut health, cellulose does not contribute to caloric intake in humans.
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