Definition: A microfibril composed of cellulose arranged in orthogonal layers. Cellulose is a straight chain polysaccharide composed of B(14) linked glucose subunits. The microfibrils are held in place by the wall matrix and their orientation is closely controlled by the cell. ...

Why can cellulose form microfibrils?

Like starch, cellulose is composed of a long chain of at least 500 glucose molecules. ... Several of these polysaccharide chains are arranged in parallel arrays to form cellulose microfibrils. The individual polysaccharide chains are bound together in the microfibrils by hydrogen bonds.

Where are cellulose microfibrils?

Cellulose microfibrils are laid down in the inner surface of the primary cell wall. As the cell absorbs water, its volume increases and the existing microfibrils separate and new ones are formed to help increase cell strength.