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Chitin metabolism
Author(s) -
Chen Andrew C.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.576
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1520-6327
pISSN - 0739-4462
DOI - 10.1002/arch.940060405
Subject(s) - chitin , biology , metabolism , enzyme , biochemistry , cuticle (hair) , hormone , insect , botany , chitosan , anatomy
Recent studies on chitin metabolism in insect cuticle are reviewed. Differences in enzymes involved in both synthesis and degradation of chitin are discussed. Emphasis is put on the complexity of chitin degradation involving various enzymes. Evidence for the possible existence of an alternative pathway leading to the formation of chitin is introduced. The involvement of hormones in chitin metabolism is also briefly discussed.