Beta-glucose is a simple sugar, or monosaccharide, that is an important carbohydrate in biology. It is one of the two anomers of glucose, distinguished by the orientation of the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom. In beta-glucose, this hydroxyl group is positioned above the plane of the ring structure, which is typically represented in a six-membered ring form. Beta-glucose is a key building block for larger carbohydrates, such as cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls. It plays a crucial role in energy storage and structural integrity in living organisms. When multiple beta-glucose molecules link together, they form long chains that contribute to the strength and rigidity of plant structures.