Which of the following carbohydrates does NOT usually occur in the crystalline form?
Answer Details
Cellulose does not usually occur in the crystalline form. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that forms long, linear chains of glucose molecules, which are linked by beta-glycosidic bonds. The chains form bundles, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. These bundles further form microfibrils, which make up the structural material of plants. Although cellulose has a regular and repeating structure, it does not form crystals because of its complex and branched structure. In contrast, glucose and sucrose can form crystals, and maltose and fructose can occur in both crystalline and amorphous forms.