BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -Chitin is a white, hard, inelastic, nitrogenous polysaccharide and the second most abundant biopolymer (after cellulose) that is found in the exoskeletons of crabs, prawns, insects, and even in the cell walls of fungi. Chitosan is produced by the deacetylation of chitin.

Detailed explanation-2: -The exoskeleton of insects is composed of hard chitin, which is a polymer of acetylglucosamine and quite resistant to many chemicals. Insectivorous reptiles however have chitinolytic enzymes. Chitinase is secreted by the stomach and pancreas and occurs only in chitin eating species.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chitin is composed of proteins and carbohydrates. It has amine groups along with glucose units. It is a linear homopolysaccharide made up of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine joined together by beta linkages. It is different from cellulose at the site where the hydroxyl is replaced with the acylated amino group.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chitin is the basic structure and a major constituent of the cell wall of many fungi, insect exoskeletons, and crustacean shells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Earwigs, beetles, and other insects have exoskeletons made of a substance called chitin. Other animals, such as snails, have hard shells made of calcium carbonate.