Chitin: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
chitin
[ หkaษชtษชn ]
biological structure
Chitin is a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, a derivative of glucose. It serves as a critical structural component in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. This biopolymer provides strength and rigidity to these organisms, playing a crucial role in their protection and maintaining their shape. Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, making it essential for various ecological processes.
Synonyms
N-acetylglucosamine, poly-N-acetylglucosamine.
Examples of usage
- The exoskeleton of crabs is composed of chitin.
- Fungi use chitin to build their cell walls.
- Chitin is a significant component in the structure of insect cuticles.
Translations
Translations of the word "chitin" in other languages:
๐ต๐น quitina
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฟเคเคฟเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Chitin
๐ฎ๐ฉ chitin
๐บ๐ฆ ั ััะธะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ chityna
๐ฏ๐ต ใญใใณ
๐ซ๐ท chitine
๐ช๐ธ quitina
๐น๐ท kitin
๐ฐ๐ท ํคํด
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุชูู
๐จ๐ฟ chitin
๐ธ๐ฐ chitin
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ไธ่ดจ
๐ธ๐ฎ hitin
๐ฎ๐ธ kรญtรญn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ั ะธัะธะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kitin
๐ฒ๐ฝ quitina
Etymology
The term 'chitin' is derived from the Greek word 'chitos,' which means 'skin' or 'shell.' It was first coined in 1811 by the French chemist Franรงois Pierre Nicolas Boullard. Initially, the substance was identified in the context of fungal cell walls, but its role in the exoskeletons of arthropods was later recognized. Chitin's significance in biological sciences has grown, leading to extensive studies on its properties and potential applications, including its use in medicine and materials science. The study of chitin has expanded from merely understanding its presence in nature to exploring its capabilities in biocompatibility and biodegradability.