Final answer:
Asphalt shingles are made with a base of either cellulose or fiberglass. Cellulose is a structural polymer in plants, while fiberglass is a reinforced plastic with glass fibers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asphalt shingles use either cellulose or fiberglass as a base. Cellulose is a natural polymer found in plant cells and is made up of glucose monomers; it has a structural role in nature. Unlike starch, which also consists of glucose monomers but is used for energy storage, cellulose provides the rigidity and strength to plant cell walls. Cellulose is a polymer made up of glucose monomers, while fiberglass is a strong and durable material. Both materials provide structural support for asphalt shingles and help to enhance their performance and longevity. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is a type of fiber-reinforced plastic where the reinforcement fiber is specifically glass fiber.