Cellulose vs. Amylose — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Cellulose and amylose are both polysaccharides; cellulose forms structural components in plants and is insoluble, while amylose is a soluble energy storage molecule in plants.
Difference Between Cellulose and Amylose
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants and algae, crucial for maintaining the rigidity and strength of the cell structure. In contrast, amylose is a storage form of starch in plants, used primarily for energy storage rather than structural support. Amylose's role is crucial in the diet of many organisms, including humans, due to its digestibility.
Both cellulose and amylose are composed of glucose units, but they differ significantly in their glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is formed through β(1→4) glycosidic bonds, leading to straight chains that are tough and water-insoluble. On the other hand, amylose is structured through α(1→4) glycosidic bonds, creating a coiled structure that is more soluble and digestible.
The physical properties of cellulose and amylose reflect their biological functions. Cellulose forms long, unbranched chains that aggregate into fibers strong enough to support plant structures. Whereas amylose tends to form a helical structure, which makes it less compact and more soluble, suitable for temporary energy storage and easy access when plants need glucose for energy.
Industrial applications of both polysaccharides also vary. Cellulose is widely used in the production of paper, textiles, and biodegradable plastics. In contrast, amylose, due to its digestibility, is significant in the food industry, where it affects the texture and digestibility of starchy foods.
In terms of enzymatic breakdown, cellulose is not digestible by humans due to the lack of cellulase enzymes, thus contributing to dietary fiber. Amylose, however, is readily digested by enzymes like amylase, making it a crucial energy source in human diets.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Glucose monomers
Glucose monomers
Glycosidic Bonds
β(1→4)
α(1→4)
Solubility
Insoluble in water
Soluble in water
Biological Role
Structural support in plants
Energy storage in plants
Industrial Use
Paper, textiles, bioplastics
Food industry (texture, digestibility)
Digestibility
Indigestible by humans
Digestible by humans
Compare with Definitions
Cellulose
A complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls.
Cellulose in cotton fibers makes them strong and durable.
Amylose
Forms a helical structure due to α(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
The helical structure of amylose traps water, making it soluble.
Cellulose
Composed of glucose monomers linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
The β(1→4) bonds in cellulose create strong, linear chains that support plant structures.
Amylose
A polysaccharide made up of glucose units, part of the plant starch.
Amylose in rice grains is responsible for their sticky texture when cooked.
Cellulose
Widely used in the production of paper and textiles.
Wood cellulose is processed into paper and various textile fibers.
Amylose
Soluble in water and easily digested by humans.
Amylose is quickly broken down by amylase in the human digestive tract.
Cellulose
Essential for plant strength and growth.
Cellulose is crucial for maintaining the upright position and growth of plants.
Amylose
Stored in plant organs as an energy reserve.
Potatoes store amylose in their tubers, which provides energy during growth.
Cellulose
Not soluble in water, contributing to its role as a dietary fiber.
Cellulose passes through the human digestive system undigested, aiding in digestion.
Amylose
Affects the texture and digestibility of food.
High-amylose foods tend to be less sticky and more resistant to digestion.
Cellulose
Cellulose is an organic compound with the formula (C6H10O5)n, a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units. Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes.
Amylose
Amylose is a polysaccharide made of α-D-glucose units, bonded to each other through α(1→4) glycosidic bonds. It is one of the two components of starch, making up approximately 20-30%.
Cellulose
A polysaccharide, (C6H10O5)n, that is composed of glucose monomers and is the main constituent of the cell walls of plants. It is used in the manufacture of numerous products, including paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and insulation.
Amylose
A linear, unbranched polysaccharide that is one of the two main components, along with amylopectin, of starches.
Cellulose
A complex carbohydrate that forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
Amylose
(carbohydrate) The soluble form of starch (the insoluble form being amylopectin) that is a linear polymer of glucose.
Cellulose
(organic compound) A polysaccharide containing many glucose units in parallel chains.
Amylose
One of the starch group (C6H10O5)n of the carbohydrates; as, starch, arabin, dextrin, cellulose, etc.
Cellulose
Consisting of, or containing, cells.
Cellulose
Consisting of, or containing, cells.
Cellulose
The substance which constitutes the essential part of the solid framework of plants, of ordinary wood, cotton, linen, paper, etc. It is also found to a slight extent in certain animals, as the tunicates. It is a carbohydrate, (C6H10O5)n, isomeric with starch, and is convertible into starches and sugars by the action of heat and acids. When pure, it is a white amorphous mass. See Starch, Granulose, Lignin.
Unsized, well bleached linen paper is merely pure cellulose.
Cellulose
A polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers
Common Curiosities
Where is amylose found?
Amylose is found within the starch granules in plant seeds, roots, and tubers.
Where is cellulose found?
Cellulose is found in the cell walls of plants and algae.
Why is amylose important in the food industry?
Amylose affects the texture and digestibility of starchy foods, impacting their culinary properties and health impacts.
What are cellulose and amylose?
Cellulose and amylose are both polysaccharides composed of glucose units, but cellulose is used for structural support in plants, while amylose serves as an energy storage molecule.
How do the physical properties of cellulose and amylose differ?
Cellulose forms tough, fibrous structures, while amylose is more soluble and forms a helix that is easier to digest.
What are the industrial uses of cellulose?
Cellulose is used in papermaking, textile production, and in creating biodegradable plastics.
How are cellulose and amylose digested?
Cellulose is not digested by humans, while amylose is broken down by the enzyme amylase.
Can both cellulose and amylose be extracted from plants?
Yes, both can be extracted, but they are used for different purposes due to their distinct properties.
How do cellulose and amylose differ in structure?
Cellulose has β(1→4) glycosidic bonds forming straight chains, whereas amylose has α(1→4) bonds that create a helical structure.
Can humans digest cellulose?
No, humans cannot digest cellulose; it acts as dietary fiber.
What is the significance of the glycosidic bonds in cellulose and amylose?
The type of glycosidic bond influences the physical properties and biological roles of these polysaccharides.
What role does amylose play in plants?
Amylose serves as an energy reserve, storing glucose that plants can use during periods of growth or dormancy.
How do the roles of cellulose and amylose in plants differ?
Cellulose provides structural support, crucial for physical integrity, while amylose is used for energy storage, crucial for metabolic needs.
What are common sources of cellulose and amylose in the diet?
Cellulose is common in all plant-based foods, particularly in fibrous vegetables and whole grains, while amylose is abundant in starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and corn.
What are the health benefits of cellulose?
As a fiber, cellulose helps regulate bowel movements and lower cholesterol levels.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
