What is the primary function of cellulose in plant cells?

The primary function of cellulose in plant cells is to provide structural support. Cellulose is a long-chain polysaccharide made up of glucose units linked together in a way that creates a rigid framework. This rigidity is essential for maintaining the shape and integrity of plant cells, allowing plants to grow upright, withstand various environmental pressures, and prevent wilting.

Cellulose forms the primary component of the plant cell wall, where it works alongside other substances such as hemicellulose and lignin to create a strong and resilient barrier. This structure helps the plant maintain turgor pressure—an important aspect of plant health and stability as it allows water to be retained in cells.

While other options like energy storage, cell signaling, and nutrient transport are important functions in plants, they are not the primary role of cellulose. Instead, other compounds, such as starch, are involved in energy storage, while signaling molecules or hormones manage cell communication, and various proteins and membranes handle nutrient transport.