Re: [Killietalk] Fresh Water Shrimp

[Rjga at aol_com]

In a message dated 12/17/03 4:18:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
whuntley at verizon_net writes:
Need Ca, Mg to make chitin?

Calcium and magnesium are important for osmoregulation. Chitin is a 
polysaccharide; it's a polymer of N-acetyl-glucosamine, and similar to cellulose. 
Common in fungi, crustaceans, and arthorpods. Seems like there OUGHT to be calcium 
in those shells, but apparently not as a part of chitin, in any case.


Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Robert J. Goldstein & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
8480 Garvey Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616 USA
tel (919) 872-1174
fax (919) 872-9214
URL www.rjgaCarolina.com
e-mail rgoldstein at rjgaCarolina_com

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