Multiple choice

Man is not able to digest cellulose whereas herbivorous animals can. The reason for this is that

  1. they can mechanically digest cellulose in the buccal cavity

  2. cellulose is lacking in man

  3. man does not have the microbial flora which digests cellulose in other animals

  4. man does not require cellulose for his body growth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Herbivorous animals have symbiotic bacteria and protozoa in their digestive tract (especially in the rumen or cecum) that produce cellulase enzymes to break down cellulose. Humans lack these microbial symbionts in their digestive system, making cellulose indigestible. Cellulose digestion is not mechanical but enzymatic.

Keep practicing — related questions