Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
Chitin metabolism in insects: structure, function and regulation of chitin synthases and chitinases
Hans Merzendorfer1, Lars Zimoch
1Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany. merzendorfer@biologie.uni-osnabrueck.de
Abstract:
Chitin is one of the most important biopolymers in nature. It is mainly produced by fungi, arthropods and nematodes. In insects, it functions as scaffold material, supporting the cuticles of the epidermis and trachea as well as the peritrophic matrices lining the gut epithelium. Insect growth and morphogenesis are strictly dependent on the capability to remodel chitin-containing structures. For this purpose, insects repeatedly produce chitin synthases and chitinolytic enzymes in different tissues. Coordination of chitin synthesis and its degradation requires strict control of the participating enzymes during development. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in understanding chitin synthesis and its degradation in insects.
Related Concept Videos
Cholinesterases: Distribution and Function
Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing
The chromatin structure, especially...
Chirality in Nature
Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition
Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
Biosynthesis in Bacteria
