Cellulose is present in plant cells in the form of cellulose microfibrils. These microfibrils together form polysaccharide or cellulose matrix.

Which polysaccharide contains microfibrils?

Within the cell wall, cellulose microfibrils are embedded in a matrix consisting of proteins and two other types of polysaccharides: hemicelluloses and pectins (Figure 12.47).

What molecules form microfibrils?

Nascent cellulose molecules associate by Van der Waals and hydrogen bonds to form microfibrils. Cortical microtubules control microfibril orientation, thus determining the direction of cell growth.