Chitin, which occurs in nature as ordered macrofibrils, is the major structural component in the exoskeletons of the crustaceans, crabs and shrimps, as well as the cell walls of fungi.

Where is chitin found?

2.1.

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.

What of cells is chitin found in?

Chitin, a β1-4-linked homopolymer of N-acetylglucosamine residues, is an essential component of the cell wall of fungi, comprising approximately 10% of the cell wall components. Chitin is also present in many organisms other than fungi, and has been studied from various perspectives including industrial applications.