Is the most abundant organic compound on earth.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The most abundant organic compound on Earth is cellulose.
Explanation
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate or polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units. It is the primary structural component of plant cell walls, giving them rigidity and strength. Cellulose is not only the most abundant organic compound on Earth—it is also the most abundant biopolymer, with an estimated production of over 100 billion tons annually by plants.
One of the main reasons cellulose is so abundant is its universal role in the plant kingdom. Every plant, from grasses to giant redwoods, produces cellulose to build and support its tissues. Since forests, grasses, and crops cover vast areas of the Earth’s land surface, the sheer quantity of cellulose produced is immense. Moreover, many types of algae and some bacteria also produce cellulose, contributing further to its abundance.
Structurally, cellulose molecules align themselves side by side through hydrogen bonding, forming microfibrils. These are tough and insoluble in water, making cellulose a strong and durable material. This resistance to breakdown is part of why it accumulates so widely in nature.
Cellulose is not digestible by humans due to the lack of the enzyme cellulase, which is required to break the β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. However, many herbivores, such as cows and termites, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their digestive systems.
In terms of utility, cellulose is used in numerous industries. It is the raw material for paper and textiles (like cotton), and it’s used in the production of biodegradable plastics, cellophane, and even food additives (e.g., as a thickener or stabilizer).
In conclusion, cellulose’s ubiquity in plants, its structural role, and its chemical stability make it the most abundant organic compound on Earth.
