Information AboutChitin |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CHITIN | |
| biomolecules | |
| polysaccharides | |
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Chitin (IPA: kai-tin) is one of the main components in the Cell Wall s of Fungi , the Exoskeleton s of Insect s and other Arthropod s, and in some other animals. It is considered a Polysaccharide ; it is constructed from units of acetylglucosamine (more completely, N-acetyl-D-glucos-2-amine). These are linked together in β-1,4 fashion (in a similar manner to the Glucose units which form Cellulose ). In effect chitin may be described as Cellulose with one Hydroxyl group on each Monomer replaced by an Acetyl Amine group. This allows for increased Hydrogen Bonding between adjacent Polymers , giving the polymer increased strength. "Chitin" and " Chiton " (a marine animal) both derive from the same Greek word meaning " Tunic ", referring to the hardness of the shell. In the Honeybee the color of chitin may be yellow, golden, brown or black. OTHER USES
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