BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -Since it is a fiber that makes up plant cell walls, it’s found in all plant foods. When you eat food that contains it, cellulose stays intact as it passes through your small intestine. Humans do not have the enzymes needed to break down cellulose ( 1 ).

Detailed explanation-2: -Aside from ruminants, most animals (including humans) do not produce cellulase in their bodies and can only partially break down cellulose through fermentation, limiting their ability to use energy in fibrous plant material.

Detailed explanation-3: -While humans don’t have digestive enzymes that break down fiber, bacteria in our gut do. The intestinal microbiome use fiber from our diet as their own energy source; thus, dietary fiber promotes a healthy colon. When our gut bacteria break down fiber, they produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Detailed explanation-4: -However, the main component, cellulose, is an indigestible plant fiber that is thought to be difficult for humans to use as energy. Herbivores acquire energy through the degradation of cell wall-derived dietary fiber by microorganisms in the digestive tract.