- **Type of carbohydrate:**
Ruminants can digest cellulose but humans cannot.
- **Reason:**
Cellulose is a type of complex carbohydrate that makes up the structural component of plant cell walls. Ruminants, such as cows and sheep, have a specialized stomach with a large fermentation chamber called the rumen. In the rumen, cellulose is broken down by symbiotic bacteria and protozoa through a process called fermentation. These microorganisms produce enzymes called cellulases that can break down cellulose into simpler sugars that ruminants can digest and absorb.
- **Explanation:**
Humans lack the necessary enzymes to break down cellulose efficiently. While humans have some cellulase enzymes, they are not sufficient to completely digest cellulose. As a result, cellulose passes through the human digestive system mostly undigested, providing fiber that helps with digestion and regular bowel movements.
Ruminants, on the other hand, have evolved to efficiently break down cellulose with the help of their symbiotic microorganisms. This unique digestive system allows ruminants to extract nutrients from plant materials that are indigestible to humans.
In conclusion, cellulose is a type of carbohydrate that ruminants can digest but humans cannot due to differences in digestive anatomy and enzyme production.