chitin
chi·tin
C0310400 (kīt′n)chitin
(ˈkaɪtɪn)chi•tin
(ˈkaɪ tɪn)n.
chi·tin
(kīt′n)| Noun | 1. | chitin - a tough semitransparent horny substance; the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of certain fungi |
n.
chitin
chitin
(kīt`ən), main constituent of the shells of arthropods. Chitin, a polysaccharide (see carbohydratecarbohydrate,any member of a large class of chemical compounds that includes sugars, starches, cellulose, and related compounds. These compounds are produced naturally by green plants from carbon dioxide and water (see photosynthesis).
..... Click the link for more information. ) analogous in chemical structure to cellulosecellulose,
chief constituent of the cell walls of plants. Chemically, it is a carbohydrate that is a high molecular weight polysaccharide. Raw cotton is composed of 91% pure cellulose; other important natural sources are flax, hemp, jute, straw, and wood.
..... Click the link for more information. , consists of units of a glucose derivative (N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) joined to form a long, unbranched chain. Like cellulose, chitin contributes strength and protection to the organism. In arthropods the chitinous shell, or exoskeleton, covers the surface of the body, does not grow, and is periodically cast off (molted). After the old shell is shed, a new, larger shell is secreted by the epidermis, providing room for future growth. The chitin is rigid except between some body segments and joints where it is thin and allows movement of adjacent parts. Chitin is also found in the cell walls of some fungi.
Chitin
A polysaccharide found abundantly in nature. Chitin forms the basis of the hard shells of crustaceans, such as the crab, lobster, and shrimp. The exoskeleton of insects is also chitinous, and the cell walls of certain fungi contain this substance.
Chitin is a long, unbranched molecule consisting entirely of N-acetyl- d -glucosamine units linked by β-1,4 bonds (see illustration). It may be thought of as cellulose in which the hydroxyl groups on the second carbon are replaced with NHCOCH3 groups. Chitin is considered to be synthesized in nature by an enzyme which is capable of effecting a glycosyl transfer of the N-acetyl- d -glucosamine from uridinediphosphate-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine to a preformed chitodextrin acceptor, forming the polysaccharide. This stepwise enzymic transfer results in the production of the long chain of β-N-acetyl- d -glucosamine units, which is insoluble chitin. See Polysaccharide
Chitin
a natural polysaccharide; the basic component of the exoskeleton, or cuticula, of arthropods and certain other invertebrates; also found in the cell walls of fungi and bacteria. Chitin performs protective and supportive functions by ensuring cell rigidity. The term “chitin” was proposed by the French scientists A. Audier, who in 1823 investigated the hard outer covering of insects.
Chitin consists of residues of N-acetyl glucosamine linked by β1,4 glycoside bonds. Its molecular weight may be as high as 260,000. It is insoluble in water, dilute acids, alkalies, and organic solvents, including alcohol; it is soluble in concentrated solutions of salts (thiocyanate of lithium and calcium), and it breaks down in concentrated solutions of mineral acids when heated. As found in nature, chitin is always associated with proteins; it is analogous to the cellulose of plants in its structure, physical and chemical properties, and biological functions.
The biosynthesis of chitin in an organism is effected by the transfer of a donor residue of N-acetylglucosamine from uridine-diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine to chitodextrin acceptors—with the participation of the enzymatic glycosyltransferase system that is associated with the intracellular membranes. The biological decomposition of chitin down to free N-acetylglucosamine is effected by chitinase, an enzyme found in a number of bacteria and among the digestive enzymes of soil amoebas and certain snails and earthworms, as well as in crustaceans during the molting period. When an organism dies, chitin and the productions of its decomposition are converted to humin-like compounds in the soil and sea sediments, thus promoting the accumulation of nitrogen in the soil.
N. D. GABRIELIAN
chitin
[′kīt·ən]chitin
chitin
chitin
[ki´tin]chi·tin
(kī'tin),chitin
(kīt′n)chi·tin
(kī'tin)chitin
A carbohydrate polymer (polysaccharide) found in worms, insects, crustaceans and fungi but not in mammals. Mammalian chitinases, however, exist and one has been implicated in allergic ASTHMA. Neutralization of this enzyme reduces airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness.chitin
a linear POLYSACCHARIDE containing β(1---->4)-linked N -acetylglucosamine units, that has considerable strength because of its long fibrous molecules. It is resistant to chemicals and is found in the cuticle of insects and some other arthropods where the outer parts are impregnated with tanned proteins which gives it added strength. It is also found in the cell walls of most FUNGI, in certain DIATOMS and certain protozoa.chitin
- noun
Words related to chitin
noun a tough semitransparent horny substance
Related Words
- glucosamine
- polyose
- polysaccharide