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).
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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 both chitin and cellulose, the monomers exhibit a specific orientation in their arrangement. In chitin, the alternating β-glucose units are rotated about the glycosidic bond, which is also characteristic of cellulose.
Step 2
2. (Joined by) glycosidic bonds;
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Answer
Both chitin and cellulose consist of long chains formed through glycosidic bonds between the individual monosaccharide units. This type of linkage is crucial for the structural integrity of both polysaccharides.
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Answer
The structure of both chitin and cellulose consists of straight, unbranched chains of glucose units. This linear configuration contributes to their rigidity and strength.
