Publisher's Synopsis
Chitin is the most abundant nitrogen-bearing organic compound found in nature: it is a common constituent of insect exoskeletons, shells of crustaceans and fungal cell walls. After a short presentation of this polysaccharide in the environment, the first part of this work is devoted to chitin biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo. The second part discusses biochemical, structural and evolutionary aspects concerning chitinases. The third part of the book is devoted to chitosan, an important chitin derivative, which occurs in the composition of threads, fibres, films and gels.
