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The linkages between the glucose molecules in cellulose How then do cattle get enough nutrients from eating grass?
The fermentation process in the rumen is the main reason why cellulose is able to be broken down enough so that cattle can get their energy (in the form of glucose, as well as protein and carbohydrates) from grass. The fermentation process in the rumen, water absorption in the omasum, and redigestion (for proteins and amino acids) in the abomasum, enable cattle to get nutrients from grass and not starve off of it like humans would (who are monogastrics, animals with one simple stomach that is designed to break down proteins and carbohydrates, not plant matter).
Nutrient content also depends on the stage of life the grass is in. Less nutrients tend to be found in grasses that have new growth (or less than 12 inches in height), and are brown and dead (or have reached maturity and gone into dormancy). The most nutrients can be found in grass that is in the vegetative stage, which is best between when the average height is 10 to 12 inches and when the inflourescences (flowering head) have just started to emerge. Nutrient quality decreases incremently when the grass has its flowering head fully emerges, exposes its reproductive structures (i.e. anthers), and goes to seed. Nutrient quality declines at these stages because 95% of the plant's energy is put into producing seed, and only 5% into leaf growth.
Thus knowing the stages of your grasses in your pasture can best determine the quality of th grass and what your cattle are getting from the pasture in terms of weight gain and eating habits.
What else can I help you with?
What functional groups are found in cellulose?
The main functional group found in cellulose is the hydroxyl (-OH) group, which repeats along the glucose molecules forming hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains. There are also acetal functional groups formed between glucose molecules through glycosidic linkages.
When a cellulose paper is dipped in water the force existing between the particles of the cellulose paper and the water particles is a?
intermolecular forces
What is the problem with cellulose for animals?
Well, I'm not sure there is a really a "problem" with cellulose, but if you're talking about ingestion and digestion, it really depends on what animal you're talking about. Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide (sugar) that is found in the cell walls of plants. It contains beta 1-4 glycosidic linkages between glucose molecules that cannot be broken in the digestive tract of most animals. However, ruminant animals (cows, goats, sheep) have microorganisms in their gut that can break cellulose down using the enzyme cellulase and the cellulose can then be utilized by the animal. So, for most animals, cellulose cannot be broken down and used.
What is the difference between elements and nutrients?
Nutrients are chemical compounds; they contain molecules - and the molecules are formed from chemical elements.
Ester linkages are found in?
Ester linkages are found in lipids like triglycerides, phospholipids, and waxes. They are formed by the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, resulting in the release of water. Ester linkages play a crucial role in the structure and function of these biological molecules.
Does wood have hydrogen bonds?
Yes, wood contains cellulose fibers which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Hydrogen bonding occurs between the hydroxyl (-OH) groups in cellulose and water molecules.
What kind of polysaccharide is found in plant walls and most abundant polymer on earth?
Cellulose. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose molecules. It is different from starch or glycogen due to the type of bond between the glucose molecules.
What does cellulose break down?
Cellulose is broken down by enzymes called cellulases, which are produced by some microbes and fungi. These enzymes break down the cellulose into its component sugars, such as glucose, which can then be used as an energy source by the organism.
What form of energy is present in cellulose?
Chemical energy is present in cellulose. This energy is stored in the bonds between the molecules that make up cellulose and can be released through processes like combustion or digestion.
What holds cellulose molecules together in bundles large enough to form fibers?
Hydrogen bonds hold cellulose molecules together in bundles large enough to form fibers..
1 Why are starch and glycogen useful as energy storage molecules while cellulose is useful for structure and support 2 Why cant humans break down cellulose?
Starch and glycogen are useful as energy storage molecules because they are composed of glucose monomers linked in a way that allows for easy hydrolysis, releasing glucose for energy when needed. In contrast, cellulose has a rigid structure due to its β-glucose linkages, making it ideal for providing structural support in plant cell walls. Humans cannot break down cellulose because we lack the enzyme cellulase, which is necessary to hydrolyze the β-glycosidic bonds between the glucose units in cellulose. As a result, cellulose passes through the digestive system undigested, contributing to dietary fiber instead.
What is the chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose?
The reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose involves the hydrolysis of cellulose chains by the sodium hydroxide, breaking down the cellulose polymer into its constituent glucose units. This reaction results in the formation of sodium cellulose glycolate and water. Sodium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in this process, facilitating the breakdown of cellulose molecules.
