cellulose

cellulose /cel·lu·lose/ (sel´u-lōs) a rigid, colorless, unbranched, insoluble, long-chain polysaccharide, consisting of 3000 to 5000 glucose residues and forming the structure of most plant structures and of plant cells.

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absorbable cellulose  oxidized c.

cellulose acetate  an acetylated cellulose used as a hemodialyzer membrane.

oxidized cellulose  an absorbable oxidation product of cellulose, used as a local hemostatic.

cellulose sodium phosphate  an insoluble, nonabsorbable cation exchange resin prepared from cellulose; it binds calcium and is used to prevent formation of calcium-containing renal calculi.

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cel·lu·lose (sly-ls, -lz)

n.

A complex carbohydrate that is composed of glucose units, forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants, and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as pharmaceuticals.

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cellulose

[sel′yoo͡lōs]

Etymology: L, cellula, little cell

a colorless, insoluble, indigestible, transparent, solid polysaccharide that is the primary constituent of the cell walls of plants. In the diet it provides the bulk necessary for proper digestive tract functioning. Rich sources are fruits, such as apples and bananas, and legumes, bran, and green vegetables, especially celery. See also dietary fiber.

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cellulose [sel´u-lōs]

a carbohydrate forming the skeleton of most plant structures and plant cells. It is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature and is the source of dietary fiber, preventing constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Good sources in the diet are vegetables, cereals, and fruits.

absorbable cellulose (oxidized cellulose) an absorbable oxidation product of cellulose, applied locally to stop bleeding.

cellulose sodium phosphate an insoluble, nonabsorbable cation exchange resin prepared from cellulose; it binds calcium and is used to prevent formation of calcium-containing kidney stones.

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cellulose (selˑ·y·lōs),

n an unbran-ched 1–4-beta-glucose polymer found in fruits, grains, seeds, and vegetables. A major dietary fiber, cellulose increases fecal size and weight because of its ability to bind water.

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cellulose,

n the primary component of plant cell walls; provides the fiber and bulk necessary for optimal functioning of the digestive tract.

cellulose, oxidized

n cellulose, in the form of cotton, gauze, or paper, that has been more or less completely oxidized.

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cellulose

a polysaccharide containing β1→4 linked glucose carbohydrate forming the skeleton of most plant structures and plant cells. In herbivores, digested by bacteria in the rumen or cecum, primarily to volatile fatty acids which can be used as a source of energy.

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absorbable cellulose

an absorbable oxidation product of cellulose, applied locally to stop bleeding. Called also oxidized cellulose.

cellulose acetate

the most popular support field used in the electrophoresis of proteins.

oxidized cellulose

see absorbable cellulose (above).