What is chitin in biology?

Chitin is a polysaccharide composed of N-acetyl glucosamine.It is often mistaken as protein, but it is a polysaccharide .It is commonly found as the outer covering in some organisms like fungi, certain arthropods and molluscs. It chiefly acts as protecting membranes and providing mechanical support to the organisms. 

Chitin is a polymer very much similar to cellulose in structure and shares similarities with keratin in terms of function and is abundant in the exoskeleton of insects.Chitin plays crucial role in the cell wall of fungi, maintaining their shape and structure intact. Exoskeleton of arthropods and shell of the molluscs.This thick outer covering act as a defence wall against the predators.

 Presence of this polysaccharide provides a high survival chance to these insects. The chitin in the body covering of molluscs and other aquatic organisms add up the proportion of chitin in the ocean.

FAQ

1. What is chitin and its function? 

Chitin is a polysaccharide composed of N-acetyl glucosamine.It is commonly found as the outer covering in some organisms like fungi, certain arthropods and molluscs. It chiefly acts as protecting membranes and providing mechanical support to the organisms. 

Chitin plays crucial role in the cell wall of fungi, maintaining their shape and structure intact. Exoskeleton of arthropods and shell of the molluscs.This thick outer covering act as a defence wall against the predators.