Chitin: meaning, definitions and examples

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chitin

 

[ หˆkaษชtษชn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น quitina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฟเคŸเคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Chitin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ chitin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ั–ั‚ะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ chityna

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ญใƒใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chitine

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ quitina

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kitin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‚คํ‹ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒูŠุชูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ chitin

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ chitin

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡ ไธ่ดจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hitin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรญtรญn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั…ะธั‚ะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kitin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,137, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.