Question

In what ways are cellulose and chitin similar to each other and in what ways are they different? Be specific as you discuss the structures and functions of these two molecules.

Answer 1

Chitin forms a structural part of some animals, especially arthropods, since their exoeskeleton is formed by this glucid. Cellulose forms plant cells structure.

Answer 2

To add to @LiliaKarina 's good reply, you could take a look at the monomers of each molecule. Cellulose = long chains of beta-linked glucose molecules; Chitin = long chains of N-acetylglucosamine. Their structures differ; the latter notably has nitrogen in addition to carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. Why this is important - the nitrogen and its surrounding atoms allow for increased hydrogen bonding (I believe) giving chitin its strong character.

Answer 3

To be a little more specific, the structural difference is that at carbon 2, where glucose has a hydroxyl group, N-acetylglucosamine has an acetylated amine group.

Answer 4

Might want to just mention that mushrooms use chitin for structure while plants use cellulose. It might also be nice to note that mushrooms are more closely related to mammals than plants.

Answer 5

@kainui