Home | My Profile | Contact Us
Research Trends Products  |   order gateway  |   author gateway  |   editor gateway  
ID:
Password:
Register | Forgot Password

Author Resources
 Author Gateway
 Article submission guidelines

Editor Resources
 Editor/Referee Gateway

Agents/Distributors
 Regional Subscription Agents/Distributors
 
Current Topics in Biochemical Research   Volumes    Volume 19 
Abstract
The chitinases: function, applications and future perspectives
Niamh O’Malley, Ryan Steele, Christopher J. Law
Pages: 71 - 80
Number of pages: 10
Current Topics in Biochemical Research
Volume 19 

Copyright © 2018 Research Trends. All rights reserved

ABSTRACT
 
Chitin, a linear long-chain biopolymer of β-(1,4)-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues, is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose and is found in fungal cell walls, insect exoskeletons and crustacean shells. Despite its abundance, chitin does not accrue in the environment due to the catalytic activity of chitinase enzymes. Chitinases belong to the glycosyl hydrolase superfamily (EC 3.2.1.x) and representatives are widespread, being produced by a variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, animals and humans. Chitinases play important roles in physiological processes such as parasitism, nutrition, morphogenesis and immunity. Notably, plant genomes often contain a large number of sequences that encode catalytically inactive chitinase family members that function as enzyme inhibitors or lectins. In addition to recognition of the potential industrial and agricultural uses of chitinases, there is an increasing demand for the products of chitinase catalytic activity for biotechnological and medical purposes. This mini-review summarises current understanding of the biochemistry of chitinases and describes some of their industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. 
Buy this Article


 
search


E-Commerce
Buy this article
Buy this volume
Subscribe to this title
Shopping Cart

Quick Links
Login
Search Products
Browse in Alphabetical Order : Journals
Series/Books
Browse by Subject Classification : Journals
Series/Books

Miscellaneous
Ordering Information Ordering Information
Downloadable forms Downloadable Forms