Final answer:
Cellulose fibers play a crucial role in forming the rigid and structural component of plant cell walls, providing support and shape to the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
In plant cells, cellulose is the primary structural component that forms the cell wall. This organic molecule is a polysaccharide which consists of long chains of glucose units joined by B 1-4 glycosidic bonds. These chains are arranged into strong, crystalline structures that provide rigidity and support to the cell. Cellulose is not only crucial for maintaining the shape and structure of plant cells but also for the dietary fiber content in our food. When we consume raw vegetables such as celery, we are experiencing the crunchiness due to the presence of these rigid cellulose-rich cell walls.
Additionally, lignin may be found in the secondary cell walls of some plant cells, adding further strength and stiffness. Cellulose is recognized as the most abundant natural biopolymer on Earth, constituting approximately 50% of the cell wall material in plants and is also the main substance in materials like cotton, wood, and paper.