Principles of Biochemistry (2+1)

3.3.3.5 Chitin

Chitin is a polysachharide that is similar to cellulose in both function and structure. Structurally, chitin consists of N - acetyl - D- glucosamine units joined by ß(1-4)-glycosidic bond.

                                               

Its function is to give rigidity to the exoskeletons of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, insects , and other arthropods. It also occurs in the cell walls of fungi.