2006-10-31 13:13:24 · 7 answers · asked by brandon k 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Cellulose is impossible to break down in the human digestive tract. So it goes "right through you".
Some vitamins, minerals and starches are extracted from it before it leaves, so it does have some benefit. It is also believed to help push out other stuff that is hiding in all your nooks and crannies of your digestive tract. So that's a plus.
Did you know that cows (and other animals that eat a high cellulose based diet) have pebbles in their digestive track to help grind down the cellulose? Interesting, ehh?
It was fun thinking about your great question. Spread the good Karma!
2006-10-31 13:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by dumbdumb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cellulose In Humans
2017-01-11 12:11:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cellulose (C6H10O5)n is a long-chain polymeric polysaccharide carbohydrate, of beta-glucose. It forms the primary structural component of green plants. The primary cell wall of green plants is made primarily of cellulose; the secondary wall contains cellulose with variable amounts of lignin. Lignin and cellulose, considered together, are termed lignocellulose, which (as wood) is the most common biopolymer on Earth. Cellulose is a common material in plant cell walls and was first noted as such in 1833. It occurs naturally in almost pure form in cotton fiber. In combination with lignin and hemicellulose, it is found in all plant material. Cellulose is the most abundant form of living terrestrial biomass. Some animals, particularly ruminants and termites, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic micro-organisms - see methanogen. Cellulose is not digestible by humans, and is often referred to as 'dietary fiber' or 'roughage', acting as a hydrophilic bulking agent for faeces.
2016-03-19 02:18:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cellulose is non-digestible for humans and most animals. Because of this it acts like a roto-rooter through your colon, cleaning all of it could then you defecate it out. Usually only bacteria, some fungi, cows (4 stomachs) and sheep are able to break cellulose down and gain the nutrients from the plants they eat. We however lack the enzymes needed to break down this substance.
2006-10-31 13:56:40 · answer #4 · answered by tiff-so-fierce 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It passes through and you defecate it.
The human body cannot digest cellulose.
2006-10-31 13:21:49 · answer #5 · answered by Rochester 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the person above me is correct.
also, cellulose is a chain of glucose molecules (sugars) attached together in such a way that we can't break them apart.
2006-10-31 13:55:32 · answer #6 · answered by mle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It basically never breaks down.
We don't have the enzymes to attach to the cell walls and break them down.
You'd think they'd burst from water absorption, but that's not how I remember it.
2006-10-31 13:20:57 · answer #7 · answered by starryeyed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋