chitin

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Scope note
Colorless, tough, protective natural substance composed of a nitrogen containing polysaccharide. Chitin is the principal component in seashells as well as the exoskeletons of crabs, lobsters, insects, and beetles. It is also found in the cell walls of some fungi, algae, and yeasts. Chitin is inelastic, thus growing arthropods must shed their exoskeletons periodically.
chitin
Accepted term: 06-May-2024