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why is cellulose considered as a homopolymer?

The term 'homopolymer' refers to a molecule which is made up same or single type of monomeric molecule that is repeated in sequence. Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature and consists only glucose units only, which are arranged in a linear chain. Hence, it is considered a homopolymer. It is a constituent of the plant primary cell wall and is even found in many forms of algae.

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Polysaccharides are long chains of sugars. They are threads containing different monosaccharides as building blocks. For example cellulose is a polymeric polysaccharide consisting of only one type of monosaccharide i.e., glucose. Cellulose is a homopolymer. Starch is a variant of this but present as a store house of energy in plant tissues. Animals have another variant called glycogen. Inulin is a polymer of fructose. Cellulose is the major polysaccharide found in plants responsible for structural role. It is one of the most naturally abundant organic compounds found on the planet. Cellulose is an unbranched polymer of glucose residues put together via beta-1,4 linkages, which allow the molecule to form long and straight chains. This straight chain conformation is ideal for the formation of strong fibers.

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