Which of the following are found in the cell walls of fungi?

• A. Chitin
• B. Lignin
• C. Peptidoglycan
• D. Cellulose

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the structure and function of fungal cell walls. Fungal cell walls provide structural support and protection, similar to plant cell walls, but they are composed of different materials.
2. Identify the primary component of fungal cell walls. Fungi primarily use chitin, a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, as the main structural component in their cell walls.
3. Compare chitin with other substances listed in the options. Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, particularly in wood and bark, but not in fungi. Peptidoglycan is a polymer that forms a mesh-like layer in bacterial cell walls, not fungal cell walls. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that is a major component of plant cell walls, but not fungal cell walls.
4. Recognize that chitin is unique to fungi among the options provided. It is distinct from lignin, peptidoglycan, and cellulose, which are found in plants and bacteria.
5. Conclude that chitin is the correct answer as it is the substance found in the cell walls of fungi, distinguishing them from plants and bacteria.