Tire organic matrix of the exoskeleton of insects and crustaceans, and present in small amounts in mushrooms. It is an insoluble and indigestible non-starch polysaccharide, composed of N-acetylglucosamine. Partial deacetylation results in the formation of chitosans.
A water-insoluble polysaccharide polymer composed of A’-acetyl-D-glucosamine units which forms the exoskeletons of arthropods (insects) and Crustacea. Shellac is produced from chitin.
A polysaccharide that forms the hard exoskeleton of arthropods such as insects and crustaceans. It is also present in the cell walls of some fungi.
The primary substance that constitutes the outer shells of invertebrate organisms.