Question

Chitin is a linear homopolysaccharide composed of residues linked by \(\beta\) linkage

• A. Glucose
• B. N-acetylmuramic acid
• C. N-acetylglucosamine
• D. Glucasamine

Hint:

Chitin is structurally identical to cellulose, with the exception that the hydroxyl group (\(-\text{OH}\)) at the C-2 carbon of the glucose monomer is replaced by an acetylated amino group (\(-\text{NHCOCH}_3\)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Homopolysaccharides are complex carbohydrates constructed from a single repeating monosaccharide monomer unit.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Chitin is a major structural polysaccharide found in the fungal cell wall and the hard exoskeleton of arthropods.
2. It is a linear homopolymer consisting of repeating monomeric units of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc).
3. These monomer units are covalently joined by \(\beta\)-(1\(\rightarrow\)4) glycosidic linkages, which are highly resistant to degradation, providing substantial mechanical strength.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is 3, which corresponds to N-acetylglucosamine.