Question

Glycosamine unit is present in (a) heparin (b) nucleic acid (c) chitin (d) all of these

Short answer

Glycosamine is present in heparin and chitin.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Glycosamine

Glycosamine is an amino sugar that is a part of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are long unbranched carbohydrates or polysaccharides that play important structural and functional roles in the body.

Identifying Glycosamine in Heparin

Heparin is a well-known glycosaminoglycan and contains glucosamine units in its structure. These units are essential for the anticoagulant function of heparin.

Analyzing Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are polymers made up of nucleotides but do not contain glycosamine units. Their structure is based on sugars like deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA.

Exploration of Chitin

Chitin is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of arthropods and cell walls of fungi. It contains N-acetyl glucosamine, a derivative of glycosamine, as its monomeric unit.

Conclusion - Option Analysis

Upon evaluating the options, glycosamine is present in heparin and chitin, but not in nucleic acids. Thus, options (a) and (c) contain glycosamine, ruling out (d) which claims all.

Key concepts

Amino Sugars

Amino sugars are a special type of sugar molecule that include an amine group replacing one of the hydroxyl groups on a normal sugar. These modifications give amino sugars unique properties that contribute significantly to various biological functions.
They are key components of glycosaminoglycans, which are long chains of sugar molecules that play roles in cartilage, joint lubrication, and the structure of connective tissues.
The most common amino sugar is glucosamine, which is widely used as a supplement to support joint health. While it is naturally occurring in the human body, commercial glucosamine supplements often derive from shellfish, highlighting its connection to marine life.
Understanding amino sugars helps us appreciate their vital role in the structural and functional aspects of biochemical compounds in living organisms.

• Presence in glycosaminoglycans
• Importance in joint health
• Application in supplement form

Heparin

Heparin is a remarkable carbohydrate known for its anticoagulant properties, meaning it helps prevent blood from clotting too quickly.
This characteristic makes it invaluable in medical settings, particularly during surgeries and in the treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
Heparin contains glucosamine units, a type of amino sugar, which are crucial for its biological activity. These units, along with other sulfated sugar residues, enhance its ability to interact with proteins in the blood coagulation system.
The uniqueness of heparin comes from its high degree of sulfation and its negative charge, which contributes to the prevention of blood clot formation.
As a glycosaminoglycan, heparin exemplifies how complex carbohydrates can have specialized and life-saving functions.

• Anticoagulant effects
• Presence of glucosamine units
• Medical applications

Chitin

Chitin is a fascinating polysaccharide found in various organisms such as the exoskeletons of arthropods (like insects and crustaceans) and in the cell walls of fungi.
Its main building block is N-acetyl glucosamine, which is a derivative of glucosamine and a classic example of an amino sugar. This makes chitin an integral part of the structural framework in these organisms.
Chitin is comparable to keratin in mammals, providing strength and protection. It is also a major component of biodegradable materials due to its eco-friendly properties.
The adaptability and resilience of chitin make it a focus for research, particularly in developing sustainable materials and understanding biological structures.

• Structure in arthropods
• Role in fungal cell walls
• Biodegradable nature