Chitin vs. Cellulose

Main Difference

The main difference between chitin and cellulose is that chitin is a leathery substance comprising of polysaccharides, which is the main constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi whereas cellulose is a main physical component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes.

Difference Between Chitin and Cellulose

Comparison Chart

Chitin vs. Cellulose

Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine whereas the cellulose is a polymer of D-glucose. The biochemical formula for chitin is (C8H13O5N)n, but the chemical formula of cellulose is (C6H10O5)n. Chitin present in the cell wall of fungi and makes up the exoskeleton of arthropods whereas cellulose existing in the cell wall of plants and algae. Chitin is less abundant organic compound compose of modifying glucose monomers while cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer present on Earth. Chitin comprises nitrogen while cellulose does not contain nitrogen. The strength of the chitin polymer medium is high due to the increase in hydrogen bonding capacity whereas the power of the cellulose polymer matrix is moderately low. Chitin develops later, but cellulose produces earlier. Chitin is hard and stable, but cellulose is less hard and steady. Chitin contains an amyl group as a substitution in the glucose molecule whereas cellulose includes a hydroxyl group in the glucose molecule.

What is Chitin?

Chitin is the polysaccharide polymer which composes of modifying glucose known as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine monomers. It is an abundant structural polymer, and the basic structure of chitin is similar to that of cellulose. Albert Hofmann determines the structure of chitin in 1929. The biochemical formula for chitin is (C8H13O5N)n. The acetyl amine group raises the hydrogen bind formation capacity between adjacent polymers. The N-acetyl-D-glucose units make covalent β-(1→4)-linkages between them, creating a linear polymer. Chitin is present on fungal cell walls, to provide strength and support to the fungal cell wall. Chitin is the principal structural component of the exoskeleton of arthropods such as insects; crustaceans occur in the radulae of mollusks, the mouth of cephalopods, and the scales of fish as well. Chitin is an un-branch structural polysaccharide which contributes to strengthening and protecting organisms, in the sizing and firming of paper and as a food thickener and stabilizer. Chitin acts as a flocculating representative for wastewater treatment, acts as a wound remedial agent, acts as a thickener and preservative for foods and pharmaceuticals, etc. chitin is also using in adhesives, and dyes.

What is Cellulose?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide formulate from D-glucose monomers. It is a structural organic compound and most abundant type of macromolecule on earth, making up the primary cell wall of the plant to provide the rigidity to plants and algal cell wall. The chemical formula of the cellulose is (C6H10O5)n. First, isolated in 1834 by the French chemist Anselme Payen. It is a polysaccharide polymer compose of hundreds to thousands of linear chains of D-glucose monomers. The D-glucose monomers make β-(1→4)-linkages. The parallel-arrange polymers of cellulose from microfibers that are joining together by hydrogen bonds. There are about 80 cellulose molecules in a microfiber. These fibers are cross-link with hemicellulose. Cellulose is responsible for the strength and toughness of the plant leaves, roots, and stems. It also presents in algae and oomycetes. Cellulose is a complex polymer; most animals, as well as human, cannot digest cellulose. Only herbivores are capable of digesting cellulose quickly due to their special digestive sacs. Cellulose synthase is the enzyme which makes cellulose into plants. The primary function of cellulose is to offer structural support to the plant cell and protection to the inner structures of the cell. Cotton, wood, and paper are rich in cellulose. Cellulose is a leading source of fiber in our diet which affects human health. Some bacteria produce cellulose for the development of biofilms and cell aggregation.

Conclusion

Chitin and cellulose are the most abundant organic polymers present on earth. Chitin is a leathery substance comprising of polysaccharides, which is the main component in the exoskeleton of arthropods and fungal cell wall whereas cellulose is a structural constituent of the prime cell wall of green plants, many types of algae and the oomycetes. Both are significant for the strength and protection of organisms.