Chitin's structural function is similar to that of keratin. Nonetheless, its carbohydrate structural component distinguishes it from keratin. It is structurally similar to cellulose. Chitin is a nitrogen-containing modified carbohydrate. It's a linear polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine monomers (C8H13O5N) n»1. The monomers are joined together by a (14) glycosidic bond, just like cellulose. The monomers in cellulose, on the other hand, are glucose units. Furthermore, each monomer of chitin contains an acetylamine group rather than a hydroxyl group. This allows for more hydrogen bonding opportunities between polymers in chitin, resulting in greater structural strength. When the acetyl COCH3 groups in chitin are removed, chitosan is formed, which, unlike chitin, is water soluble.
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