What type of glycosidic linkages are present in cellulose?

What type of glycosidic linkages are present in cellulose?
  1. $\alpha-1,4$
  2. $\beta-1,4$
  3. $\alpha-1,6$
  4. $\beta-1,6$

Solution

Cellulose is a linear polysaccharide composed of D-glucose units connected by $\beta$–1,4-glycosidic bonds, which contribute to its linear structure, robust hydrogen bonding, and resultant rigidity and insolubility.
Unlike cellulose, starch (amylose) features $\alpha$–1,4-glycosidic bonds, while amylopectin and glycogen incorporate $\alpha$–1,6-glycosidic linkages at branch points.
The correct identification is option B.

Asked in: MHT CET 2025 (23 April Shift 1)

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