Question

Main component of the cell wall of fungi is
A. Cellulose
B. Pectin
C. Chitin
D. Dextrin

Answer 1

Cell wall is the outermost layer of the cell, it surrounds the plasma membrane of cells of plants, bacteria, and fungi. Fungi are classified as a separate kingdom and include microorganisms like molds, yeasts, rusts, mushrooms, et cetera. These are heterotrophic and multicellular eukaryotic organisms. Fungi are used for various purposes like in the production of medicines, as food, as biological insecticides, et cetera.

Complete answer:

Cellulose is a natural polymer, a polysaccharide made of glucose units. The plant cell wall is primarily made of cellulose that helps in maintaining the shape of cells, provides strength, and protects it from stress.

Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide and primarily consists of esterified D-galacturonic acid. Pectin is used as gelling and thickening agents, emulsifiers, etc. It is found in the primary and middle lamella and cell walls of the plants.

Dextrin is a polymer of D-glucose units and is prepared by incomplete hydrolysis of starch. It is used as a binding agent, as enhancers in food processing, etc.

Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. It is used in the preparation of biodegradable plastic, as a food additive and nutritional supplement, etc. It is found in mollusk shells, arthropod exoskeleton, fungi cell wall, etc.
Fungi cell wall is made of chitin, glucans, and glycoproteins. Cell wall determines cell shape, provides rigidity and protects it from environmental stresses like osmotic stress, etc. and hence, helps in maintaining cellular integrity and viability.

Therefore, the correct option is (C) chitin.

Note: As we know that the cell wall is absent in animal cells. Cellulose is the main component in plant cell walls while chitin is found in the fungi cell wall.