What is the Difference Between Cellulose and Starch?

Cellulose and starch are both polysaccharides made from glucose, but they have distinct differences in their structure, function, and properties. Here are the main differences between cellulose and starch:

1. Function: Starch is the primary storage carbohydrate in plants and serves as an energy reserve, while cellulose is a structural component that provides support and strength to plants.
2. Structure: Both cellulose and starch have glucose-based repeat units, but the glucose units in starch are connected by alpha linkages, while those in cellulose are connected by beta linkages. This difference in linkages results in different 3-D shapes for the two polymers.
3. Solubility: Starch can dissolve in warm water, while cellulose is insoluble in water.
4. Digestion: Starch is easily digested by humans, while cellulose is difficult to digest.
5. Strength: Cellulose is stronger and more crystalline than starch.
6. Consumption: Humans can consume starch, but not cellulose.
7. Applications: Starch is used as an energy source in plants and can be found in food sources like potatoes, wheat, corn, and rice. Cellulose is used commercially in the manufacture of paper, cloth, and other products like rayon and cellophane.

Comparative Table: Cellulose vs Starch

Here is a table comparing the differences between cellulose and starch:

Both cellulose and starch are polysaccharides made up of glucose subunits, but they have different structures and functions. Cellulose is a straight-chain polymer with 1,4 beta linkages and is unbranched, while starch is a branched polymer with 1,4 and 1,6 alpha linkages, comprising amylose and amylopectin. Cellulose is the main structural component of plant cell walls and is used for various purposes, such as making fibers, clothes, papers, and ropes. On the other hand, starch is a type of carbohydrate used as an energy source and storage molecule in both plants and animals.