The fungal pathogen having chitin as a main constituent in their cell wall is… (IGKV- – CET 2024)

✅Explanation: Claviceps purpurea is a fungus belonging to the Ascomycota division, and like all true fungi, its cell wall contains chitin as a major structural component. Chitin is a complex polysaccharide that provides rigidity and support to the cell wall of this fungus, responsible for ergot disease in cereals, is a member of the Ascomycota division, a group of true fungi characterized by the production of spores in sac-like structures called asci. As with all true fungi, its cell wall contains chitin as a major structural component. Chitin is a complex polysaccharide that provides rigidity and support to the cell wall, helping to maintain cell shape and protect the fungus from environmental stresses.

📌 Other Options Explanations:
-Phytophthora infestans: Belongs to Oomycetes (water molds), a group of fungus-like organisms. Their cell walls contain cellulose, not chitin.
-Sclerospora graminicola: This is a downy mildew pathogen, also belonging to Oomycetes, and thus does not have chitin in its cell wall.

🔑Key Points:
-Chitin is a naturally occurring biopolymer, which is a polymer created by an organism.
-Chitin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer in the world, behind only cellulose.
-Chitin is found in the exoskeletons of insects, the cell walls of fungi.
-Chitin is also found in the cell walls of certain fungi and algae.
-Chitin forms a rigid cell wall between cells, which help the organisms retain their shape.
-Chitin is not a protein but is similar to protein.
-Chitin behaves similarly to keratin.
-Chitin is made up of amino sugars.
-Chitin is a biodegradable molecule that dissolves over time.
-Chitin is a large, structural polysaccharide made from chains of modified glucose.