Which of the following polysaccharides provides structural integrity?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that provides structural integrity primarily in plants. It is composed of long chains of β-glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, forming a rigid and straight structure. This allows cellulose to form strong fibers that contribute to the cell wall of plants, providing both support and protection. The strength and stability of cellulose fibers are vital for maintaining the shape and integrity of plant cells, preventing collapse and enabling plants to grow upright.

In contrast, starch and glycogen function primarily as energy storage polysaccharides. Starch is found in plants and is crucial for storing energy, while glycogen serves a similar function in animals. Although these molecules can provide some structural elements in their granule form, they lack the structural rigidity characteristic of cellulose.

Chitin, while also a structural polysaccharide, is primarily found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. It consists of N-acetylglucosamine units and contributes to the integrity of those organisms. However, in the context of plant structural integrity, cellulose is the primary polysaccharide responsible. Thus, cellulose is the fundamental polysaccharide that ensures the structural integrity of plant cells, making it the