Cellulose and chitin (what is chitin) are two structural polymers found in nature. Cellulose is a polysaccharide made from linear chains of d-glucose monomers. Chitin is also an organic compound, which is composed of modified glucose monomers, which are derivatives of glucose, called n-acetyl Glucosamine. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer found on Earth. The abundance of chitin on Earth is second only to cellulose. The key difference between cellulose and chitin is that cellulose is an important structural polymer in the primary cell wall of plant cells, while chitin is the main structural polymer in fungal cell walls.


What is chitin?

Chitin is a polymer composed of modified glucose monomer called n - acetyl Glucosamine. It is a rich structural polymer, second only to cellulose in abundance. Chitin exists in the cell wall of fungi, Exoskeleton of Arthropod and insects. The chemical formula of chitin is (C8H13O5N) n. Albert Hoffman determined the structure of chitin in 1929. Chitin is an unbranched polysaccharide with enhanced and protective biological functions.

In addition to its structural and protective functions, chitin also has other functions. Chitin is used as a flocculant in wastewater treatment, as a wound healing agent in wound healing, and as a thickener and stabilizer in food and medicine. Chitin is also used as a dye, adhesive, paper sizing, and reinforcing agent.

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. It is a polysaccharide composed of hundreds to thousands of linear (non branched) d-glucose monomers. It is a structural organic compound. Cellulose is usually present in the primary cell wall of plant cells, providing rigidity for plants. Cellulose is a key structural compound responsible for the strength and toughness of plant leaves, roots, and stems. Cellulose was also found in algae and egg bacteria. The chemical formula of cellulose is (C6H10O5) n. In 1834, French chemist Anselme Payen first isolated it.


Due to cellulose being a complex polymer, most animals, including humans, are unable to digest cellulose. Only herbivores can easily digest cellulose because they have special digestive sacs. Cellulose synthase is an enzyme that synthesizes cellulose into plants. Wood, cotton, and paper are all rich in cellulose. Cellulose is the main source of dietary fiber that affects human health. Some bacteria produce cellulose to form biofilms and cell aggregation.

What are the similarities between chitin and cellulose?

Chitin and cellulose are both made from glucose monomers.
Both are structural polymers.
Both are linear polymers.
Both are polysaccharides.
Both are formed by fibers.
Chitin and cellulose are insoluble in water.

What is the difference between chitin and cellulose?

Chitin is a structural organic polymer made from modified glucose monomers.
Cellulose is a structural organic polymer composed of linear chains of glucose monomers.
The chemical formula of chitin is (C8H13O5N) n
The chemical formula of cellulose is (C6H10O5) n.
Chitin is a polymer of n - acetyl Glucosamine (a derivative of glucose).
Cellulose is a polymer of glucose.
Chitin is mainly found in the cell wall of fungi, but also in the Exoskeleton of Arthropod and Mollusca. Cellulose is mainly present in the cell walls of plant cells.
Chitosan has less content than cellulose. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth.
The structure of chitin contains nitrogen molecules. The structure of cellulose does not contain nitrogen.
Chitin is harder and more stable than cellulose.
The hardness and stability of cellulose are not as good as that of chitin.

Chitin vs Cellulose

Chitin and cellulose are the most abundant structural organic polymers found on Earth. Cellulose is the main compound in plant cell walls. Chitin is the main compound of fungal cell wall and Arthropod Exoskeleton. Cellulose is a polymer composed of d-glucose monomers. Chitin is a long polymer of n - acetyl Glucosamine. Chitin and cellulose are both important for the strength and protection of living organisms. Both compounds are insoluble in water. This is the difference between chitin and cellulose.