which specialized carbohydrate is used in shrimp exoskeletons

Question 1


Question 2

Which specialized carbohydrate is used for structure in shrimp?

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are a class of biomolecules that includes sugars, starch, and cellulose. Carbohydrates function in living organisms as both a source of energy and as a structural component.

More Facts About Carbohydrates:

  • Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients required daily by the human body (the other two are fats and proteins).
  • In our diet, simple carbohydrates (sugar, fruit, dairy, etc) are broken down quickly for immediate energy, whereas complex carbohydrates (whole grains, whole grains, vegetables, etc) are broken down at a slower pace and provide longer and more sustainable energy over a greater period of time.
  • While the brain is the only carbohydrate dependent organ in the body, most organs in the body require the energy derived from carbohydrates to function.
  • Carbohydrate is converted to glucose to be used immediately in the body when ingested. Excess carbohydrate energy is stored as glycogen in the liver.


Question 3

What types of animals have exoskeletons? What does “exoskeleton” mean?


Question 4

Which specialized carbohydrate is used in shrimp exoskeletons?


Answer to question 1

a)Shrimp’s exoskeleton is hard outer shell with two pairs of antennae to taste and touch and 8 pairs of legs to move around and feed.where as crab’s exoskeleton isa hard rigid covering made of protein called chitin and calcium carbonate  that protects soft internal organs . The outer exoskeleton of crab splits along the back and crab backs out.

b)Benetic shrimp and pelagic shrink differ in their exoskeleton and eye size.they have hard exoskeleton to protect them and soft exoskeleton underneath old one and the old exoskeleton is shed.new exoskeleton is soft ,this is vulnerable time for them until new hardens.Benetic and pelgaic difference help them to do prominant role in ecosystem,and it is  crucial to functions from nutrient cycling to energy transfer in food webs.


Answer to question 2

Answer and Explanation:

Chitin is the structural carbohydrate found in the exoskeletons of insects and arthropods, such as crustaceans which includes shrimp. Chitin is a derivative of glucose.


Answer to question 3

The specialized carbohydrate that is used in shrimp exoskeletons is chitin.

An exoskeleton refers to an external skeleton that protects and supports the body of an animal. The specialized carbohydrate that is used in shrimp exoskeletons is chitin.

Chitin is a fibrous substance that’s made up of polysaccharides. It’s the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods. Chitin can also be found in crustaceans. It is a derivative of glucose.


Answer to question 4

A specialized carbohydrate that is used for structure in shrimp is called chitin. Not only it is found in the shrimp cells, but also on other crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. Chitin is a derivative of glucose and a characteristic element in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, cell walls of fungi, internal shells of squids and octopuses, and scales of fish.

Leave a Comment