Cellulose (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n is a long-chain polymeric polysaccharide carbohydrate, of beta-glucose. It forms the primary structural component of green plants. The primary cell wall of green plants is made primarily of cellulose; the secondary wall contains cellulose with variable amounts of lignin. Lignin and cellulose, considered together, are termed lignocellulose, which (as wood) is the most common biopolymer on Earth.

History and applications

Cellulose is a common material in plant cell walls and was first noted as such in 1833. It occurs naturally in almost pure form in cotton fiber. In combination with lignin and hemicellulose, it is found in all plant material. Cellulose is the most abundant form of living terrestrial biomass .