What structural polysaccharide is found in both fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons?

What structural polysaccharide is found in both fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons?

• A. Starch
• B. Chitin
• C. Cellulose
• D. Peptidoglycan

Answer: (B)

Chitin is the structural polysaccharide that forms the rigid, protective framework of fungal cell walls and the exoskeletons of arthropods. It is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine linked by beta-1,4 bonds, which gives it both strength and toughness essential for maintaining shape and protection in these organisms. Starch is an energy-storage carbohydrate in plants, not a structural component in fungi. Cellulose is the main plant cell wall polymer and is not the primary structural element in fungal walls or arthropod exoskeletons. Peptidoglycan makes up bacterial cell walls and is not found in fungi or arthropods.

Chitin is the structural polysaccharide that forms the rigid, protective framework of fungal cell walls and the exoskeletons of arthropods. It is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine linked by beta-1,4 bonds, which gives it both strength and toughness essential for maintaining shape and protection in these organisms. Starch is an energy-storage carbohydrate in plants, not a structural component in fungi. Cellulose is the main plant cell wall polymer and is not the primary structural element in fungal walls or arthropod exoskeletons. Peptidoglycan makes up bacterial cell walls and is not found in fungi or arthropods.