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It is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeltons of arthropods (insects, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, etc.), mollusks (shelled organisms), beak of cephalopods (squid and octopus), and in the cell walls of fungi.

It is made up of saccharide monomers of N-acetylglucosamine, which is a derivative of glucose.

Unlike glycogen and starch, which are used for energy storage, chitin is primarily used as a structural component, strengthening exoskeletons, shells, and cell walls.

Chitin is also used for water purification and as an additive to thicken and stabilize foods and pharmaceuticals. It acts as a binder in dyes, fabrics, and adhesives. Industrial separation membranes and ion-exchange resins can be made from chitin. Processes to size and strengthen paper employ chitin

Because chitin is both flexible and strong, it is used in surgical thread, since it is biodegradable and wears away with time as a wound heals.

Additional info:

Chitin comes from the French "chitine", standing for the same substance "chitin".

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What is the name of the polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods?

Chitin is the polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods. It provides structural support and protection in these organisms.


Do fish scales contain chitin?

Chitin


Is chitin a heteropolysaccharide?

Yes, chitin is a heteropolysaccharide.


What is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of fungi and in insect exoskeletons called?

Chitin.


From what language do you get the word chitin?

"chitin" comes from the French word "chitine", meaning the same substance, chitin.


Which carbohydrate is found in the exoskeleton of insects and crabs?

chitin


What type of molecule is a chitin?

Chitin is polymerized N-acetylglucosamine.


What do fungi use chitin for?

Chitin makes the cell wall


The cell walls of fungi are made from what?

The cell walls of fungi are primarily made of a complex sugar called chitin. Chitin is a structural polysaccharide that provides strength and rigidity to the fungal cell wall.


Does tree moss contain chitin?

No, tree moss does not contain chitin. Chitin is a component of the exoskeleton of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Tree moss belongs to the plant kingdom and does not produce chitin in its structure.


What is significance of chitin in arthropods?

Chitin is a structural carbohydrate that forms their exoskeleton


The walls of fungi are reinforced with?

chitin, a structural polymer similar to the one found in the exoskeletons of insects, are reinforced with beta-glucans and chitin.