Importance of Cellulose in Digestion
Although cellulose itself is not directly digestible by humans, its presence in the diet has important roles for digestive health:
- Cellulose is a dietary fiber, which is an important component of a healthy diet. It adds bulk to the diet, promoting a feeling of fullness and hence avoids overeating.
- The presence of cellulose helps stimulate peristalsis i.e., the contractions of the muscles of digestive tract that move food along the digestive system.
- It facilitates the movement of stool through the intestines, helping to alleviate constipation.
- The fermentation of cellulose by gut bacteria produces short-chain fatty acids, which can be absorbed and utilized by the body for energy.
Cellulose In Digestion – Herbivores, Termites, & Ruminants
Cellulose is a type of fiber that cannot be digested by the human digestive system. The presence of beta-acetal linkages in cellulose distinguishes it from starch and determines its digestion. The organisms that are capable of digesting the cellulose with their cellulase enzyme are microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Except for a few multicellular organisms, such as termites, most higher organisms cannot digest cellulose without the help of microorganisms. In this article, we will discuss cellulose in digestion and why humans can digest starch but not cellulose.
Table of Content
- What is Cellulose?
- Structure of Cellulose
- Cellulose Digestion in Ruminants
- Cellulose Digestion in Termites
- Cellulose Digestion in Herbivores
- Reasons Why Humans Cannot Digest Cellulose
- Importance of cellulose in digestion