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B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function

Cellulose is a beta glucose polysaccharide whose straight unbranched chains and hydrogen-bonded microfibrils strengthen plant cell walls structurally and mechanically.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B1.1.6
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • Label
  • Describe
  • Outline
  • Identify

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Describing cellulose as branched or made from alpha-glucose.

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ13[ 1 ]B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function
May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ22[ 1 ]B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function
November 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ12(a)(i)[ 1 ]B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function
November 2018Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ02(b)[ 1 ]B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function
November 2018Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ02(a)(ii)[ 3 ]B1.1.6—Cellulose structure and function
Practice this objective

Coverage 2010–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Cellulose is made from beta-glucose monomers joined by 1,4 glycosidic bonds.
  • Alternating glucose orientation creates straight, unbranched chains.
  • Hydrogen bonding between chains forms strong microfibrils.
  • Cellulose provides structural strength in plant cell walls.
ConceptIB Biology SL