Interaction | Reaction | Process     Data Page

Cellulose is readily hydrolysed to glucose by strong (mineral) acid... hence the holes in cotton clothing caused by acid splashes in the lab...

Mammals have lost the enzyme system to carry out this reaction which is why cellulose is regarded as indigestible. Many bacteria are able to break cellulose down into glucose.

P. Yurkanis, Organic Chemistry 3rd ed., Prentice Hall (2001)
Cellulose
  +  
1000
H2O
  +  
H+
         
1000
Reactant Page Go To Go To
Cellulose     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Water     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Proton Catalyst    Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
D-(+) Glucose     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming

Interaction, Reaction, Process defined as:
Enzyme Catalysed Biological Reaction
Hydrolysis

© Mark R. Leach 1999 –

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