Question

Cattle can easily digest cellulose due to

• A. Cellulose digesting bacteria in their gut
• B. Complex digestive system
• C. Small intestine
• D. Small liver and stomach

Answer 1

The correct option is A Cellulose digesting bacteria in their gut

Cellulose consists of subunits connected together by covalent bonds. In the case of cellulose the subunits are the simple sugar glucose and they are connected by a very specific bond, called a beta-1,4-glycosidic bond. Humans lack enzymes to break this kind of chemical bond and therefore cannot digest cellulose. Cows, and other ruminants like deer, camels, and water buffalo, have microorganisms in their guts, which express enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose.