Chitin: Structure and Applications

The video tutorial discusses chitin, a structural component found in the exoskeleton of invertebrates and the cell walls of fungi and algae. It is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose and shares a similar structure, with a key difference being the replacement of a hydroxyl group with an acetylated amino group. Chitin is not digestible by humans and has various applications, including in agriculture as a seed treatment and biopesticide, in medicine as surgical thread, in biomedical research for protein purification, and in industries as a binder and stabilizer.

What is the primary structural component found in the exoskeleton of invertebrates?

• Keratin

• Chitin

• Collagen

• Cellulose

Which carbon in chitin's structure is different from cellulose due to the presence of an acetylated amino group?

• C1

• C2

• C3

• C4

What type of linkage is found between the sugar units in chitin?

• Alpha 1-4 glycosidic linkage

• Beta 1-4 glycosidic linkage

• Alpha 1-6 glycosidic linkage

• Beta 1-6 glycosidic linkage

In agriculture, how can chitin be used to benefit plants?

• As a growth hormone

• As a soil conditioner

• As a fertilizer

• As a seed treatment and biopesticide

What property of chitin makes it suitable for use as a surgical thread?

• Biodegradability

• Flexibility and strength

• Antimicrobial properties

• Transparency

In biomedical research, chitin is used for which of the following purposes?

• Stem cell therapy

• DNA sequencing

• Affinity purification of recombinant proteins

• Gene editing

Which industry uses chitin as a binder in dyes and fabrics?

• Aerospace industry

• Construction industry

• Automotive industry

• Textile industry

How is chitin utilized in the food industry?

• As a flavor enhancer

• As a sweetener

• As a preservative

• As a stabilizer and thickener