Chapter 10.7, Problem 10.19CE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The desirable and undesirable consequences of the fact if human can digest cellulose have to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

Cellulose is a polysaccharide of $\text{D}-\text{glucose}$.  Cellulose contains $\beta \left(1-4\right)$ glycosidic linkage.  In cellulose the $-\text{OH}$ groups at carbon $\left(1\right)$ and carbon $\left(4\right)$ are trans to each other.  The glycosidic linkage between glucose units is alternate in direction.  Humans lack the enzyme required to break the trans glycosidic linkage present in cellulose.  Therefore, humans cannot digest cellulose.  Ruminant’s animals have a proper internal chemistry for the digestion of cellulose.  Ruminant animals can digest cellulose.