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

Fats requirement in pectic ulcer, Q. Fats requirement in pectic ulcer? ...

Q. Fats requirement in pectic ulcer? Fats: These delay the gastric emptying. The products of fat digestion in the small intestine stimulate entrogastrone, which inhibits gastri

Define functions of selenium in humans, Define Functions of selenium in hum...

Define Functions of selenium in humans? Until recently, the only known metabolic role of selenium in humans was as a component of glutathione peroxidase which along with vitami

Pericardial window through left antero lateral thoracotomy, Pericardial Win...

Pericardial Window Through Left Antero Lateral Thoracotomy :  A small left antero lateral thoracotomy is done through the 5"' intercostal space. A pericardial windo

What is the excitation threshold of a neuron, What is the excitation thresh...

What is the excitation threshold of a neuron? How does this threshold relate to the "all-or-nothing" rule of the neural transmission? The excitation threshold of a neuron is th

Define carbohydrate requirements for physical fitness, Define Carbohydrate ...

Define Carbohydrate Requirements for Physical Fitness? Carbohydrate is the primary fuel for high intensity exercise, Increased intake of carbohydrate on a consistent basis enab

What is st segment depression at rest, Q. What is ST segment depression at ...

Q. What is ST segment depression at rest? ST- segment depression has become severe, that is, 3 to 4mm or more in vigorous asymptomatic subjects. If the patient is known to have

Show major signs of diabetes, Q. What are the three major signs of diabetes...

Q. What are the three major signs of diabetes? The three major signs of diabetes mellitus are known as the diabetic triad- polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia. Polyuria is t

Describe the features common in ventricular outflow, Describe the Features ...

Describe the Features common in ventricular outflow obstruction ? An ejection systolic murmur (ESM) due turbulent flow of blood through the obstruction. Hypertrophy of the cham

Why carbon monoxide considered inorganic compounds, Why are calcium carbona...

Why are calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide considered inorganic compounds? "The name "organic" is a historical name, dating back to 19th century, when it

Protozoans and cnidarians, compare and contrast the structure of the follow...

compare and contrast the structure of the following: hyrda plain, hydra mematocysts, obelia, amoeba, euglena, paramecium caudatum conjugation, euglena acus.

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