Where is Chitin Found?
Chitin is the second most prevalent organic chemical in
nature, and it naturally arises as a fiber-forming polymer that, like cellulose
in plants, has a protective role in many lower eukaryotes. Chitin can be found
in abundance in nature. It is produced by a wide range of organisms from
various taxonomic groupings. Chitin is present in the cell walls of fungi.
According to Coherent
Market Insights the Chitin
Market Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity
Analysis, 2022-2028.
Chitin in Fungi Cell
Wall
Chitin is found in the majority of fungus, including
Deuteromycetes, Basidiomycetes, Ascomycetes, and Chytridiomycetes. The cell
walls of these fungus are largely made up of alpha-chitin. The amount of chitin
found varies depending on the species. Chitin is present in arthropods, the
animal kingdom's largest phylum. Arthropods are invertebrates with strong
exoskeletons and segmented bodies. Insects, myriapods, arachnids, and
crustaceans comprise the phylum Arthropoda. Insects with chitinous exoskeletons
include butterflies, caterpillars, beetles, and crickets. Chitin makes between
20-50 percent of an insect's weight. Spiders, crabs, crayfish, lobsters,
shrimps, squid, barnacles, and cuttlefish all have it in their exoskeletons.
Bacteria, protists, animals, and humans do not generate
chitin. They can, however, breakdown chitin using an enzyme.
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