Chitin is found in the cell walls of which organisms and in the exoskeletons of which animals?

Chitin is found in the cell walls of which organisms and in the exoskeletons of which animals?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Plants
• C. Mammals
• D. Fungi and Insects

Answer: (D)

Chitin is a tough structural polysaccharide made of N-acetylglucosamine units that serves as a strong, flexible support in certain organisms. In fungi, it forms a key part of the cell wall, giving rigidity and shape. In insects and other arthropods, chitin makes up the exoskeleton that provides protection and a framework for muscle attachment. By contrast, bacteria have cell walls made mainly of peptidoglycan, plants use cellulose in their cell walls, and mammals lack any chitin-containing walls or exoskeletons. So, chitin is found in the cell walls of fungi and in the exoskeletons of insects.

Chitin is a tough structural polysaccharide made of N-acetylglucosamine units that serves as a strong, flexible support in certain organisms. In fungi, it forms a key part of the cell wall, giving rigidity and shape. In insects and other arthropods, chitin makes up the exoskeleton that provides protection and a framework for muscle attachment. By contrast, bacteria have cell walls made mainly of peptidoglycan, plants use cellulose in their cell walls, and mammals lack any chitin-containing walls or exoskeletons. So, chitin is found in the cell walls of fungi and in the exoskeletons of insects.