cellulose chains bundle together to form microfibrils, which in turn bundle to form macrofibrils which confer to high tensile strength, stability and support

-> main structural component of plant cell walls, high tensile strength of microfibrils prevents plant cell from lysing when water enters through osmosis.

-> when plant cell inflates with water, pressure develops inside cell and it becomes turgid; turgid cells support plants that lack wood.

large polysaccharide, most -OH groups form hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains, less -OH groups available to form hydrogen bonding with water; insoluble molecule.

-> won't change water potential of cell

macrofibrils arranged in several layers running in different directions forming cell wall

-> arrangement of fibres helps determine shape of plant cell as it grows

-> cell wall remains fully permeable to water, other solutes

Learn: H2 Biology 1 - Carbohydrates