Chitin is a polysaccharide. The chitin monomer is a β-glucose molecule with one OH group replaced by an NHCOCH₃ group. NHCOCH₃ can be represented by N(Ac). Figure 1 shows the monomer that forms chitin and the chitin polymer. Chitin has a similar structure to cellulose. Use Figure 1 to describe three ways the structure of chitin is similar to the structure of cellulose.

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Chitin is a polysaccharide - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1

Question 2

Chitin is a polysaccharide. The chitin monomer is a β-glucose molecule with one OH group replaced by an NHCOCH₃ group. NHCOCH₃ can be represented by N(Ac). Figure 1... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Chitin is a polysaccharide - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

1. (Alternate) monomers/glucoses are flipped/upside down/rotated (by 180°);

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Answer

In chitin, the monomers alternate orientation similar to cellulose, giving structural integrity.

Step 2

2. (Joined by) glycosidic bonds;

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Answer

Both chitin and cellulose are formed by glycosidic bonds linking their respective monomers, creating a stable polymer structure.

Step 3

3. (Forms) straight/linear/unbranched (chains/molecules);

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Answer

Chitin and cellulose both exhibit linear chain formations, contributing to their rigidity and strength.

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