chemical nature of cell wall of fungi

The cell wall of fungi is a rigid and complex structure that provides mechanical support, protection, and shape to the fungal cell. Its primary chemical components include:

1. Chitin – A long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), which provides strength and rigidity (similar to cellulose in plants).
2. β-Glucans – Polysaccharides made of glucose units linked by β-(1,3) and β-(1,6) glycosidic bonds, contributing to structural integrity.
3. Proteins – Including glycoproteins and enzymes that assist in cell wall remodeling and interactions with the environment.
4. Mannoproteins – Mannose-containing glycoproteins that help in adhesion and immune evasion.
5. Lipids – Present in small amounts, contributing to membrane stability.

Unlike plant cell walls (made of cellulose) or bacterial cell walls (made of peptidoglycan), fungal cell walls are unique due to their chitin-glucan matrix.