HEMICELLULOSE Meaning and
Definition
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Hemicellulose is a type of complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. It is composed of various sugar molecules, including xylose, arabinose, mannose, and galactose, among others. Hemicellulose is closely associated with cellulose, another major component of plant cell walls, and its presence provides structural support and strength to plant tissues.
Unlike cellulose, which is made up of long chains of glucose molecules, hemicellulose has a more diverse sugar composition and a branched structure. This branching pattern allows hemicellulose to interact with other molecules, such as lignin, to form a matrix that gives rigidity to plant cell walls. The specific type and arrangement of sugars in hemicellulose vary across plant species, contributing to the different characteristics of cellulose and hemicellulose-rich materials.
Hemicellulose is not easily digested by humans, as they lack the necessary enzymes to break down its complex structure. However, it can be utilized by certain microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that possess the required enzymes. These microorganisms play a crucial role in the decomposition of plant material and the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems.
In industrial applications, hemicellulose can be extracted from plant biomass and processed to obtain various products. It is used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, as well as in the production of bioplastics, films, coatings, and other materials. Its abundance and renewable nature make hemicellulose an attractive resource in the development of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products.
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Any woody cellulose insoluble in water but soluble in a dilute mineral acid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMICELLULOSE
Etymology of HEMICELLULOSE
The word "hemicellulose" is derived from the combination of two parts: "hemi-" and "-cellulose".
The prefix "hemi-" comes from the Greek word "hemi", meaning half or semi. It is often used in scientific terminology to indicate something that resembles or is related to the original term but is not complete or full.
The term "cellulose" refers to a complex carbohydrate that is the main component of the cell walls in plants. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules and provides structural support to plant cells.
Therefore, "hemicellulose" can be understood as a substance similar to cellulose, but not identical or complete. It refers to a group of polysaccharides that are also found in plant cell walls, but have a more branched and less crystalline structure compared to cellulose.
Similar spelling word for HEMICELLULOSE
