BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -The rumen is the first compartment where ingested food containing cellulose is stored temporarily and later regurgitated to chew their cud. They are able to digest cellulose because of the presence of bacteria and enzymes in the rumen where anaerobic bacterial digestion occurs.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cellulose is basically a chain of glucose like starch. Unlike starch, cellulose has a bond that cannot be broken down by animals. There are some animals, such as cows, goats and sheeps which graze grass that have symbiotic bacteria in their abdomen which can digest cellulose.

Detailed explanation-3: -cellulose, a carbohydrate, is a common constituent of all plants. Despite its widespread prevalence, most animals are unable to directly digest it in their own stomachs, because they lack a key gene to enable them to do so.

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.

Detailed explanation-5: -All herbivores eat grasses and other plant material. Plants contain cellulose, which is very hard to digest. So, when a herbivore swallows some grass, the chewed grass first enters the compartment of the stomach called the rumen. The rumen contains a salty solution and bacteria that helps to break down the cellulose.