Cellulose is classified as which type of macromolecule?

Cellulose is classified as a carbohydrate because it is a polysaccharide made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked together by glycosidic bonds. Carbohydrates, which include sugars and starches, primarily serve as energy sources and structural components in cells. In plants, cellulose provides structural support, making up the cell wall and contributing to the rigidity and strength of plant tissues.

This classification is significant because carbohydrates play a crucial role in biological processes, energy storage, and cellular structure, distinguishing them from proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, each of which has different functions and structures in living organisms. For example, proteins are composed of amino acids and function primarily in catalysis and structural roles, lipids are primarily involved in energy storage and cellular membrane formation, and nucleic acids carry genetic information. Understanding the unique characteristics of each macromolecule type is fundamental in biology and biochemistry.