Why is starch easily digested by animals, while cellulose isn’t?
Starch is made of alpha glycosidic linkages [Helices], whereas cellulose is made of beta glycosidic linkages [Pleated sheets]. Animals digest sugars such as starch through hydrolysis [see ‘Magical Water’], but cellulose is an insoluble fiber. Animal bodies do not have the enzyme to break down cellulose, so herbivores such as cows use microbes to break down this fiber.  |
| https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/biology-unit-one/deck/1133991 |
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