Cellulose and chitin are different from other polysaccharides because they have special structures that make them strong and suitable for building and support, not for energy storage.
Here’s a explanation:
Cellulose
- Found in plants, mainly in cell walls.
- Made of glucose units linked in a straight, unbranched chain.
- The glucose units are joined by β (beta) linkages, which humans cannot digest.
- The chains form strong fibers through hydrogen bonds, giving plants strength and rigidity.
Chitin
- Found in animals like insects, crabs, and fungi.
- Similar to cellulose but one part of each sugar unit contains a nitrogen group (called N-acetylglucosamine).
- This makes chitin tough and flexible, forming exoskeletons in insects and shells in crustaceans.
In simple terms:
Cellulose and chitin are structural polysaccharides, not used for energy.
- Cellulose gives plants strength.
- Chitin gives animals (like insects) hard outer coverings.
Their special bonds and added groups make them stronger than other polysaccharides like starch or glycogen.