Cellulose and starch are identical polymers that have the same repeat units dependent on glucose and are composed of the same glucose and monomer. There is one major difference between Starch and Cellulose. For starch, glucose repeat units are located in the same direction, and each successive glucose unit is rotated 180 degrees in cellulose.
Cellulose is thicker than sugar, which is water-insoluble. On the other hand, the Starch is less weak than cellulose and can be dissolved in warm water. Cellulose is not suitable for human consumption because mammals will eat starch. Many of the cellulose applications are in rayon substitute, cellophane, etc. Throughout the paper industry as well as in the manufacture of cloths such as linen and cotton, it is used commercially as the main ingredient.
Difference Between Starch And Cellulose
| Properties | Starch | Cellulose |
| Alpha/Beta | 2 types of alpha glucose | 1 type of beta glucose |
| Connection | By alpha linkage | By beta linkage |
| Digestion | Easily digested | Difficult to digest |
| Solubility | Dissolves in warm water | Does not dissolve in water |
| Strength | Weaker than cellulose | Strong |
| Crystalline | Less crystalline | More crystalline than starch |
| Consumption | Can be consumed by humans | Cannot be consumed by humans |
| Linkage | Starch has alpha 1,4 linkage | Cellulose has beta 1,4 linkage |
| Uses | Plants use starch to store energy | Plants use cellulose to support structure |
These were some important differences between Starch and Cellulose. To know more about the structure and uses of cellulose and Starch register to BYJU’S.
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Some important links:
| Cellulose | Importance of Polysaccharides |
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