The Cell: A Molecular Approach 7th Edition

Published by Sinauer Associates
ISBN 10: 160535290X
ISBN 13: 978-1-60535-290-9

Chapter 2 - Molecules and Membranes - Question - Page 78: 2

Answer

We, as humans, cannot digest cellulose.

Work Step by Step

Humans cannot digest cellulose because they do not have the enzymes that can recognize and cleave B1to4 linkages. While glycogen and cellulose are both glucose polymers, the linkages between glucose residues are different. So, human enzymes are specialized to digest the glycogen linkages (a1to4) and do no have the ability to digest the cellulose linkages.
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