answersLogoWhite

0

No, humans cannot break down cellulose and utilize it as a source of energy because they lack the necessary enzymes to digest cellulose effectively.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Biology

Why cant human utilize cellulose as an energy source?

Humans lack the enzyme needed to efficiently break down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Unlike herbivores like cows and termites, which have specialized gut bacteria to digest cellulose, humans do not possess this capability. As a result, humans cannot extract significant energy from cellulose as a source of nutrition.


What are differences between glucose and cellulose?

Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as a primary source of energy in living organisms, while cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that serves as a structural component in plant cell walls. Glucose is easily digestible and can be used for energy production, while cellulose is indigestible by humans due to its beta-linkages, but serves important functions in providing plant structure and dietary fiber.


What are the complex carbohydrates found in plants?

Complex carbohydrates found in plants include starches, cellulose, and hemicellulose. These carbohydrates serve as a source of energy for the plant and can also provide health benefits for humans when consumed as part of a balanced diet.


What substance provides humans with their main source of energy?

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for humans. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which our cells use to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - the energy currency of the body.


What is Cellulouse?

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. It is an important structural component that provides rigidity and support to plant cells. Humans cannot digest cellulose, but it is a valuable source of fiber in our diet.

Related Questions

Why cant human utilize cellulose as an energy source?

Humans lack the enzyme needed to efficiently break down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Unlike herbivores like cows and termites, which have specialized gut bacteria to digest cellulose, humans do not possess this capability. As a result, humans cannot extract significant energy from cellulose as a source of nutrition.


Does fiber have sugar and provides quick energy?

Fiber is made of glucose molecules arranged into a starch(cellulose), so they are not a quick source of energy. Humans have difficulty digesting fiber.


What is a polymer of glucose and serves as a source of dietary fibre for humans?

Cellulose.


Is a polymer of glucose and serves as a source of dietary fiber for humans?

cellulose


Why do humans not consume cellulose to obtain energy?

We humans are highly ill-equipped to digest cellulose--so much so that it is impossible for us to digest and completely useless for our bodies to act as a sufficient form of nourishment. Instead, it acts as a great, high source of fibre to help clean out the poo-chute. Even for cattle, cellulose is rather a pathetic source of energy compared to the amount of starch found within a kernel of corn. Regardless, cattle have special bacteria, called cellulose-digesting bacteria in their rumen, which are there to break down cellulose into a more useable form, such as volatile fatty acids, which are used as energy by the cow.


What polysaccharide cannot be digested by humans?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that cannot be digested by humans due to the lack of necessary enzyme, cellulase, in our digestive system. It passes through the gastrointestinal tract intact and provides bulk to aid in digestion and promote overall gut health.


Autotrophs that utilize light as their energy source are?

Autotrophs that utilize light as their energy source are called phototrophs. These organisms are able to perform photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy for their survival and growth. Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.


What is a polymer of glucose and serves as a source of dietary fiber for humans?

Cellulose is a polymer of glucose that serves as a source of dietary fiber for humans. It is commonly found in plant cell walls and provides structural support in plants. Our digestive enzymes cannot break down cellulose, so it passes through our digestive system mostly unchanged, adding bulk to our stool and promoting healthy digestion.


The main source of energy for humans is?

The Sun.


What is cellulose important in the diet as a source of?

cellulose important in the diet as a source of needed fiber


What is the main source of energy in humans?

Food we eat.


What is the abundant energy source capable of being harnessed by humans?

Solar Energy