Amylose vs. Cellulose: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 6, 2024
Amylose is a straight-chain polysaccharide made of glucose units, found in plants as a storage molecule; Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide composed of glucose units, forming plant cell walls.
Key Differences
Amylose is a key component of starch, characterized by its linear and helical structure consisting of α-1,4 linked glucose units. This configuration allows it to be more compact and less soluble in water. In contrast, Cellulose is a primary structural component of plant cell walls, notable for its straight, unbranched chains of β-1,4 linked glucose molecules. This difference in linkage types results in cellulose being more rigid and insoluble.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
While Amylose contributes to the energy storage in plants, offering a readily available glucose source for metabolic processes, its structure allows for easier enzymatic breakdown compared to cellulose. Cellulose, on the other hand, provides mechanical strength and rigidity to plant cells. Its high tensile strength is attributed to the hydrogen bonds formed between the linear chains of glucose.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Amylose is digestible by humans, as the enzymes in our digestive system can break down the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds. This makes amylose an important dietary carbohydrate. Cellulose, however, is indigestible to humans due to the presence of β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, which our enzymes cannot break down, thus contributing to dietary fiber.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
In industrial applications, Amylose is used in food processing as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It is valued for its ability to form films and as an encapsulation material. Conversely, Cellulose has widespread use in the production of paper, textiles, and biodegradable plastics, leveraging its strength and insolubility.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
On a molecular level, Amylose shows less complexity compared to cellulose. It is relatively easier to extract and modify for various applications. Cellulose’s robust and complex structure requires more intensive processes for extraction and modification, as seen in the production of cellulose derivatives like cellulose acetate.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Structure
Linear, α-1,4 linked glucose units
Straight, β-1,4 linked glucose units
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Industrial Use
Food thickening, encapsulation
Paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
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Amylose and Cellulose Definitions
Amylose
Amylose serves as an energy reserve in plants and is characterized by its helical structure.
Rice varieties with more amylose tend to be less sticky.
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Dec 16, 2023
Cellulose
Cellulose is an organic compound forming the structural framework of plant cell walls.
The cellulose in cotton fibers gives them their strength and durability.
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Dec 16, 2023
Amylose
Amylose is a linear molecule, unlike its branched counterpart, amylopectin.
The unique properties of amylose make it an excellent thickening agent in sauces.
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Dec 16, 2023
Cellulose
Cellulose fibers are strong, insoluble, and used in textiles and papermaking.
Cellulose is the key component in the production of biodegradable plastics.
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Dec 16, 2023
Amylose
Amylose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units, forming a major part of plant starch.
Potatoes have a high amylose content, making them perfect for frying.
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Dec 16, 2023
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Cellulose
Cellulose is a polysaccharide made of glucose units linked by β-1,4 bonds.
Paper is made from cellulose extracted from wood pulp.
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Dec 16, 2023
Amylose
Amylose is water-soluble and forms a colloidal solution when heated in water.
When making gravy, the amylose in flour helps to thicken it.
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Dec 16, 2023
Cellulose
Cellulose is chemically modified to produce derivatives like cellulose acetate.
Cellulose acetate is used in making photographic films.
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Dec 16, 2023
Amylose
Amylose can be easily digested by enzymes in the human digestive tract.
Amylose, being digestible, contributes to the carbohydrate content of our diet.
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Dec 16, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Amylose
A linear, unbranched polysaccharide that is one of the two main components, along with amylopectin, of starches.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Amylose
(carbohydrate) The soluble form of starch (the insoluble form being amylopectin) that is a linear polymer of glucose.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cellulose
(organic compound) A polysaccharide containing many glucose units in parallel chains.
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Dec 13, 2023
Amylose
One of the starch group (C6H10O5)n of the carbohydrates; as, starch, arabin, dextrin, cellulose, etc.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cellulose
A polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers
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Dec 13, 2023
Cellulose
Cellulose is indigestible by humans, contributing to dietary fiber.
The cellulose in vegetables aids in digestion by providing fiber.
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Dec 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What role does Amylose play in plants?
Amylose serves as an energy storage molecule in plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is Amylose?
Amylose is a polysaccharide made of glucose units, primarily found in plant starch.
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Jan 06, 2024
Can humans digest Amylose and Cellulose?
Humans can digest Amylose but not Cellulose.
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Jan 06, 2024
What is the role of Cellulose in plants?
Cellulose provides structural support to plant cell walls.
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Jan 06, 2024
How are Amylose and Cellulose different in structure?
Amylose has α-1,4 glycosidic bonds; Cellulose has β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What are the industrial uses of Amylose?
Amylose is used in food processing and as a thickening agent.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is Cellulose?
Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide in plants, composed of glucose units.
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Jan 06, 2024
How does Cellulose contribute to human health?
Cellulose aids in digestion as a dietary fiber.
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Jan 06, 2024
What is the chemical bond in Cellulose?
Cellulose has β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
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Jan 06, 2024
How does Amylose contribute to human nutrition?
Amylose is a digestible carbohydrate, providing energy.
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Jan 06, 2024
What makes Cellulose tough and strong?
The β-1,4 bonds and hydrogen bonding in cellulose make it strong.
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Jan 06, 2024
Why can't humans digest Cellulose?
Humans lack the enzyme to break β-1,4 glycosidic bonds in Cellulose.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What are the industrial applications of Cellulose?
Cellulose is used in making paper, textiles, and bioplastics.
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Jan 06, 2024
What happens to Amylose when heated in water?
Amylose dissolves and can form a gel, thickening the solution.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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