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.