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

What is commensalism, What is commensalism? Commensalism is the ecologi...

What is commensalism? Commensalism is the ecological interaction in which one individual advantage while the other is neither benefited nor harmed. Commensalism is a harmonious

Explain in brief about leukotrienes and prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and pr...

Leukotrienes and prostaglandins are produced only when the mast cell undergo degranulation and enzymatic break down of phospholipids in the plasma membrane. The effects formed b

Define reaction for nelson-somogyi method, Define Reaction for Nelson-Somog...

Define Reaction for Nelson-Somogyi Method? The reagent used for enolization contains alkaline solution of cupric sulfate and Rochelle salt. Rochelle salt in the reagent prevent

Define the terms transcriptomics and transcriptome, 1. One of the greates c...

1. One of the greates challenges following the human genome project is to understand how genes are regulated and what functions they perform. a. Define the terms 'Transcriptomic

Microbiology, harmful and benificial microbes

harmful and benificial microbes

Economic dimensions of financing healthcare, Economic Dimensions of Financi...

Economic Dimensions of Financing Healthcare Establishment of adequate healthcare services, accessible/affordable to all sections of the society, is an important function of th

Define initiation phase - mechanism of protein synthesis, Define Initiation...

Define Initiation phase - mechanism of protein synthesis ? The assembly of a ribosome on an mRNA molecule at the correct start point, the initiation codon. Three initiation fac

Can you explain about garden and green house, Q. Can you explain about Gard...

Q. Can you explain about Garden and Green House? Public parks and gardens are centres of aesthetic beauty and serve as places of recreation. Botanic Garden is a living resposit

Hydra, hydra has what symmetry......radial or biradial????

hydra has what symmetry......radial or biradial????

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