Question

Take a paper towel and wet it in the middle. Now grip it on both (dry) ends and pull. It will tear easily in the middle. Now take an identical paper towel and wet it in the middle with oil. Try to tear it apart as you did with the water wet towel. It may tear at the dry end first. Why would untreated paper made out of cellulose fiber lose much of its strength when wet with water, but it keep its strength when wet with oil?

Should creationism and/or intelligent design be taught in biology classes? If you agree, make your case with evidence and reason. If you disagree, do the same.

Answer 1

1). Cellulose is the polymer of glucose molecules connected by β- 1, 4 linkages. It is the major structural component of plant cell wall and is the most abundant carbohydrate available in the biosphere. Paper is made of cellulose fibers and it can form hydrogen bonds with water. When we add water to the paper, there will be additional water molecules to form the hydrogen bonds, so the fibers dissociate. This does not happen in case of oil as it is a nonpolar molecule, so the paper remain intact.