the integuments of insect: generalised study (PART 2 FINAL)

Chitin:

It is made up of long chains of acetylated glucosamine residues (N-acetylglucosamine). The adjacent chitin chains are linked to each other by β-glycosidic linkages, particularly the hydrogen bonds to form the microfibrils. It is insoluble in water, alcohol,ethers and other organic solvents. It is soluble in concentrated mineral acids

BIOSYNTHESIS OF CHITIN:

The chitin is synthesized by the insect epidermis. The chitin monomers are secreted into the apolysiat spaces, where they are polymerized to form chain by the enzyme-chitin synthetase. The chitin synthetase is controlled 20-hydroxyecdysone, it is pH and temperature dependent chemical process.