Difference Between Glucose and Cellulose

Last Updated : Sep 5, 2022 / By Sandeep Bhandari / Fact Checked / 3 mins

Glucose is also known as dextrose. It is a part of carbohydrate groups called simple sugars. These simple sugars are called Monosaccharides.

Cellulose linked D-glucose refers to an organic compound found in Plants. For green plants, it is an important constituent of the structure of the primary cell wall.

Comparison Table Between Glucose and Cellulose

Parameters of Comparison	Glucose	Cellulose
Manufacturing Process	The process of photosynthesis is used for the production of Glucose.	After the dissolution of glucose as energy and storage in the form of starch, cellulose is made from the chains of glucose.
Form	Simple sugar is another term used while referring to Glucose.	A complex carbohydrate is another term used while referring to Cellulose.
Usage	Energy or stored energy in plants that assists them in their growth and development is obtained from glucose.	Cellulose acts as a strengthening agent for a plant as it helps make roots, stems, and leaves strong.
Absorption & Digestion	Absorption and Digestion of glucose are easy for all organisms.	Absorption and Digestion of glucose are easy for plants but not all organisms.
Human Diet	Glucose has proven to be a source of energy in the human diet as well.	For a human diet, Cellulose has proven not to be a source of energy.

What is Glucose?

The term ‘Glucose’ has been derived from ‘glyks’, a Greek word meaning ‘sweet’. Photosynthesis is a process in which plants produce their food with the help of carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll, and sunlight.

Glucose is a part of complex carbohydrates but is commonly regarded as a simple sugar. The presence of Glucose in carbohydrate and starchy foods such as potatoes and bread is abundant.

Glucose is stored in the form of starch in plants and is found in the sap. Plants use glucose for energy and the development of various parts, including roots, stems, leaves, and fruits.

What is Cellulose?

The term ‘Cellulose’ has been derived from ‘cellula’, a Latin word meaning ‘biological cell’—the process of photosynthesis results in the formation of glucose.

Cellulose is a crucial part of a plant body and a very common organic compound. And in general, it is found in the cell wall of a plant. The long chains of glucose are called polysaccharides.

Cellulose is also widely used by humans for making different things. For example, it is used for manufacturing clothing materials, including cotton and jute, making paper, cellophane, and even explosives.

Main Differences Between Glucose and Cellulose

1. Absorption and digestion of Glucose are simple for plants as well as humans and animals. On the contrary, absorption and digestion of Cellulose are simple for plants but not for humans and animals.
2. Glucose can be a source of energy for the human diet, but cellulose cannot.

Conclusion 

Both Glucose and Cellulose are present in plants. Cellulose, identified as polysaccharides, is composed of chains of glucose. Both Glucose and Cellulose are very important for the growth and development of plants.

It helps them in building cell walls, strengthen various parts, develop energy, and use this energy for different mechanisms.

Glucose is not only necessary for the growth and development of plants but also for animals and humans. 

References

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/01.cir.99.4.578
2. https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:17038890