What type of bond is primarily responsible for the structural integrity of cellulose?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of long chains of glucose monomers linked together by covalent bonds known as glycosidic bonds. However, it is the hydrogen bonds that play a crucial role in the structural integrity of cellulose.

These hydrogen bonds form between the hydroxyl (–OH) groups of adjacent cellulose chains, allowing the chains to align closely and form strong intermolecular interactions. This network of hydrogen bonding gives cellulose its rigidity and strength, making it an essential component of plant cell walls. The extensive hydrogen bonding between cellulose molecules contributes to cellulose’s high tensile strength and its ability to provide structural support.

In contrast, while ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and Van der Waals forces contribute to molecular interactions in various biological contexts, they do not primarily govern the structural properties of cellulose in the same way that hydrogen bonds do. Therefore, the hydrogen bonds are key to maintaining the integrity and function of cellulose in biological systems.