Define the functionality of cellulose, Biology

Assignment Help:

Functionality of cellulose

Cellulose has many uses as an anticaking agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, dispersing agent, thickener and gelling agent, but these are generally subsidiary to its most important use of holding water. Dry amorphous cellulose absorbs water becoming soft and flexible. Some of this water is non-freezing but most is  simply trapped. Less water is bound by direct hydrogen bonding if the cellulose has high crystallinity but some fibrous cellulose products can hold on to considerable water in pores and its  typically straw-like cavities. As such water is supercoolable, this effect may protect against ice damage. Cellulose can give improved volume and texture, particularly as a fat replacer in sauces and dressings but its insolubility means that all products will be cloudy. 

Swelled bacterial cellulose (eg. Acetobacter xylinum) exhibits pseudoplastic viscosity, like xanthan gels but this viscosity is not lost at high temperatures and low shear rates as the cellulose can retain its structure. Where individual cellulose strands are surrounded by water, they are flexible and do not present contiguous hydrophobic surfaces.

 


Related Discussions:- Define the functionality of cellulose

Enzymes, what is rennin? how does it work? and what is its optimum pH level...

what is rennin? how does it work? and what is its optimum pH level and activity temperature?

Cell Division, What is the difference between Mitosis and Meosis?

What is the difference between Mitosis and Meosis?

Intraspecific and interspecific competition, In the preceding block you lea...

In the preceding block you learnt the Darwinian premise of natural selection based on certain facts and deductions thereof. You would have noticed that one of the foundations for t

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma, Which of the following abnormal blood work r...

Which of the following abnormal blood work results is most closely associated with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma? A. Extremely high levels of abnormal lymphocytes B. Low potassiu

What is micro-endodontic surgery, What is Micro-Endodontic Surgery? Co...

What is Micro-Endodontic Surgery? Combines of the magnification and illumination provided by the microscope with proper use of new micro-instruments.

Difference between a bird heart and a mammalian heart, What is the main dif...

What is the main difference between a bird heart and a mammalian heart? The bird heart has a one aortic arch on the right side of its body while the mammalian heart has one on

Useful products that can be obtained by genetic engineering, Name three use...

Name three useful products that can be obtained by genetic engineering. Useful products of genetic engineering are:- A) chymosin, B) Alpha-anti-trypsin, C) hepatitis

Define biocompatible material, Define each term and give an example of an a...

Define each term and give an example of an application that uses the following: a. Biocompatible material b. Biodegradable material c. Biomimetic

What are the types of antigenic agents, Q. What are the types of antigenic ...

Q. What are the types of antigenic agents that may constitute vaccines? Vaccines can be constituted of dead agents of disease, of inactivated toxins, of inactivated agents of d

Describe polio, In 1954, Public Health Service organized an experiment in t...

In 1954, Public Health Service organized an experiment in that nearly 2 million children in grades 1, 2 and 3 participated. Experiment was to test a vaccine. Name the disease c

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd