What is cellulose best described as?

Cellulose is best described as a complex carbohydrate found in plant cells. It is a structural polysaccharide that provides rigidity and strength to the cell walls of plants. Composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, cellulose is not digestible by humans but plays a vital role as dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.

In this context, its classification as a complex carbohydrate is important because it highlights its role in the plant structure and its complex molecular formation, distinguishing it from simpler sugars, proteins, and fats. While proteins are made of amino acids and saturated fats are types of lipids, cellulose specifically contributes to the structural integrity of plants, underscoring its unique function among carbohydrates.