Fungal Word Friday: Chitin

Molecular Structure of Chitin

Chitin is a long chain polymer of the monosachride N-Acetylglucosamine. While it is important in many biological systems, forming the exoskeleton of arthropods, the radulus of mollusks and the beaks in squids and octopodes, the importance in the fungal world is that of the cell wall.


Fungal Cell Wall

Chitin is the chief component of the cell wall in Fungi. It is similiar in structure and purpose to that of cellulose in plant cell walls.

Photo Cred: Flickr user AJC1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajc1/