Cellulose C Cellulose is not a nutrient molecule for humans

Cellulose..

C. Cellulose is not a nutrient molecule for humans, although it is an important dietary component. Why?

D. How can ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, and deer) subsist on hay and grass?

Solution

C.

Cellulose is an important dietary fiber along with hemicellulose, pectin, lignin.  Although they do not have any nutritional value, the main role of fibre is to keep the digestive system healthy.

D.

Answer:
The rumen of these animals is a kind of fermentation chamber where the grass and hay is fermented. Microbes within the rumen ferment (breaking cellulose) the hay and grass into volatile fatty acids which are then used to synthesize the lactose (glucose) and the fat for the milk the ruminant produces.