Which of the following statements is not correct regarding chitin?a)It...
Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide (after cellulose). Chitin is not a storage polysaccharide rather it is a structural homopolysaccharide which forms the structure component of fungal walls and exoskeleton of artropods. It is an unbranched polysaccharide formed of N- acetylglucosamine (NAG) monomers joined together by β−1,4 linkages.
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Which of the following statements is not correct regarding chitin?a)It...
Chitin
Introduction:
Chitin is a complex carbohydrate that is found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods. It is a structural polysaccharide that provides support and protection to these organisms. Let's evaluate the given statements and determine which one is not correct.
a) It is a storage polysaccharide:
This statement is not correct. Chitin is not a storage polysaccharide. Storage polysaccharides, such as starch in plants and glycogen in animals, are used for storing energy. Chitin, on the other hand, is a structural polysaccharide that forms the rigid outer covering of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.
b) It is a homopolysaccharide:
This statement is correct. Chitin is a homopolysaccharide because it is composed of repeating units of a single type of sugar molecule, specifically N-acetylglucosamine.
c) It is a constituent of arthropod exoskeleton and fungal cell wall:
This statement is correct. Chitin is a major component of the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as insects, crustaceans, and spiders. It provides strength and rigidity to their outer covering. Chitin is also found in the cell walls of fungi, where it helps to maintain the structural integrity of the cells.
d) It is the second most abundant carbohydrate on earth:
This statement is correct. Chitin is indeed the second most abundant carbohydrate on earth, after cellulose. Cellulose is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, while chitin is found in arthropods and fungi. Both cellulose and chitin play important roles in the structure and support of organisms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the statement that is not correct regarding chitin is that it is a storage polysaccharide. Chitin is a structural polysaccharide, not a storage polysaccharide. It is a homopolysaccharide composed of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine and is found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. Chitin is the second most abundant carbohydrate on earth, after cellulose.
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