Chitin is a structural polysaccharide composed of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) polymers. It constitutes a primary component of fungal cell walls and the exoskeletons of insects.

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- Hyphae
- Pseudophyphae
- Dimorphic Fungi
-  Chitin

Physical Characteristics of Different Fungi

Polysaccharides, which are also referred to as glycans, are large carbohydrate polymers consisting of hundreds of joined monosaccharide monomers. These macromolecules are linked together by glycosidic bonds, are generally not soluble in water, and do not taste sweet, distinguishing them from smaller monosaccharides and disaccharides.

Polysaccharides (glycans)

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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Dimorphic fungi are species capable of transitioning between yeast and mold forms in response to environmental shifts, such as changes in nutrient availability or temperature fluctuations (typically growing as a mold at 25 °C and as a yeast at 37 °C).

Dimorphic Fungi

Hyphae are the microscopic, thread-like filaments that make up the bodies of multicellular fungi, such as molds, as well as the flesh of larger fungi.

Hyphae

Pseudohyphae are structures formed by budding yeasts when newly produced daughter cells remain attached to one another, forming short chains of cells with clusters at intervals that resemble true fungal hyphae.

Pseudohyphae

Chitin

Glycosaminoglycans are negatively charged polysaccharides that are composed of a repeating disaccharides subunit.  They are involved in cell hydration, structure, and cell signaling.  Glycosaminoglycans can be categorized by their repeating subunit:

- heparin/heparan sulfate
- chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate
- keratan sulfate
- hyaluronic acid

Glycosaminoglycans

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide composed of a linear chain of repeating glucose units. It serves as a major structural element in the cell walls of plants and various other organisms.

Cellulose

Starch is a branched polysaccharide made of repeating glucose monomers. It is the primary molecule used by plants to store energy.

Starch

Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide composed of repeating glucose monomers. It serves as the primary energy-storage macromolecule in animal cells and bacteria.

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