What term refers to the hard, fibrous substance in the exoskeletons of arthropods and cell walls of fungi?

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Multiple Choice

What term refers to the hard, fibrous substance in the exoskeletons of arthropods and cell walls of fungi?

Explanation:
Chitin is the hard, fibrous polysaccharide that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. It’s made from long chains of N-acetylglucosamine linked by beta-1,4 bonds, which assemble into strong microfibrils that give rigidity and protection. In arthropods, chitin-based exoskeletons provide support and a barrier while still allowing growth through molting. In fungi, chitin strengthens the cell wall, helping maintain shape and resist osmotic stress. The other terms are names of groups or phyla rather than the specific structural material they use, so they don’t describe the substance itself.

Chitin is the hard, fibrous polysaccharide that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. It’s made from long chains of N-acetylglucosamine linked by beta-1,4 bonds, which assemble into strong microfibrils that give rigidity and protection. In arthropods, chitin-based exoskeletons provide support and a barrier while still allowing growth through molting. In fungi, chitin strengthens the cell wall, helping maintain shape and resist osmotic stress. The other terms are names of groups or phyla rather than the specific structural material they use, so they don’t describe the substance itself.

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