2007-02-07 07:39:43 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It is known as Chitin, all invertebrate exoskeletons are composed of this compound
2007-02-07 10:41:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The exoskeleton of arthropods contains the
complex polysaccharide chitin (a polymer of
glucose) as one component. (Chitin is not a pure polysaccharide, it also contains nitrogen.) However chitin is
a soft, flexible material like cellulose (also a
polysaccharide). The hardness of the exoskeleton
is a result of impregnation with other substances,
varying with the kind of arthropod. In many it is a
protein, usually called sclerotin, which is deposited
in the exoskeleton and tanned by cross-linkages
between the protein molecules. In crustaceans
like crabs, lobsters and crayfish the hardness comes from calcium carbonate deposition.
2007-02-08 12:44:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keratin
2007-02-07 15:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
glucose I do believe .... http://www.biology.lsu.edu/introbio/summer/Summer2004/1201/RF/Chapter%205%20review.htm that should be of some help to you
2007-02-07 15:53:56 · answer #4 · answered by sp23 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
beetle is correct. it is chitin
2007-02-07 19:19:17 · answer #5 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋