Biomolecules Question 2
Question: Cellulose does not form blue colour with Iodine because
(1) It is a disaccharide.
(2) It is a helical molecule.
(3) It does not contain complex helices and hence cannot hold iodine molecules.
(4) It breakes down when iodine reacts with it.
Show Answer
Answer: (3) It does not contain complex helices and hence cannot hold iodine molecules.
Explanation-
Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. Unlike starch, which has a helical structure that can trap iodine molecules and form a blue complex, cellulose has a linear, fibrous structure that does not form helices. Therefore, it cannot hold iodine molecules and does not produce a blue color when treated with iodine.