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 (-OH) 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.