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The cell walls of all plants contain fibres of cellulose, an organic material known to chemists as a linear polysaccharide. It constitutes about one-third of the structural material of annual plants and about one-half that of perennial plants. Cellulose fibres have high strength and durability. They are readily wetted by water, exhibiting considerable swelling when saturated, and are hygroscopic—i.e., they absorb appreciable amounts of water when exposed to the atmosphere. Even in the wet state, natural cellulose fibres show no loss in strength. It is the combination of these qualities with strength and flexibility that makes cellulose of unique value ...(100 of 12454 words)