Cellulose (None commonly used; "Cell" is sometimes used informally in scientific literature, but not as a standard abbreviation.)

Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth and serves primarily as the main structural component of plant cell walls. It consists of long chains of D-glucose units linked by β(1→4)-glycosidic bonds, forming straight-chain polymers that aggregate into microfibrils with high tensile strength[1][3][5]. This structure provides rigidity and protection for plant cells and contributes significantly to the mechanical properties of wood and other plant materials[1]. In human nutrition, cellulose acts solely as insoluble dietary fiber because humans lack enzymes capable of hydrolyzing its β(1→4) linkages; thus it passes through the digestive tract largely unchanged but aids bowel regularity[3]. Industrially, cellulose has many uses including paper production, textiles (rayon), food additives (as anti-caking agents), explosives (nitrocellulose), films (cellophane), and more[5].

Other names

Plant fiberDietary fiber (when referring to its nutritional role)β(1→4)-linked D-glucose polymerPolysaccharide of glucose

Not applicable—cellulose is not targeted by drugs for any mechanism of action.