chitin
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chitin
[ki´tin]a horny polysaccharide, the principal constituent of shells of arthropods and shards of beetles, and found in certain fungi.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
chi·tin
(kī'tin),A linear polymer of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, linked β(1→4), similar in structure to cellulose; the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, comprising the horny substance in the exoskeleton of beetles, crabs, and certain microorganisms, as well as in some plants and fungi.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
chitin
(kīt′n)n.
A nitrogen-containing polysaccharide that is a tough, protective, semitransparent substance and is the principal component of arthropod exoskeletons and the cell walls of certain fungi.
chi′tin·ous adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
chi·tin
(kī'tin)A polymer of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine similar in structure to cellulose and the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, comprising the horny substance in the exoskeleton of beetles, crabs, certain microorganisms, and other life forms.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
chitin
A carbohydrate polymer (polysaccharide) found in worms, insects, crustaceans and fungi but not in mammals. Mammalian chitinases, however, exist and one has been implicated in allergic ASTHMA. Neutralization of this enzyme reduces airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
chitin
a linear POLYSACCHARIDE containing β(1---->4)-linked N -acetylglucosamine units, that has considerable strength because of its long fibrous molecules. It is resistant to chemicals and is found in the cuticle of insects and some other arthropods where the outer parts are impregnated with tanned proteins which gives it added strength. It is also found in the cell walls of most FUNGI, in certain DIATOMS and certain protozoa.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005