Fungal Cell Walls: Understanding Chitin vs. Cellulose
Fungi do not have cell walls composed of cellulose. Instead, their cell walls are primarily made of chitin, a polysaccharide polymer related to cellulose but with a different chemical structure. Chitin is a highly durable material that provides structural strength and protection for fungal cells. Cellulose is a major component of the cell walls of plants and bacteria. Therefore fungi have a cell wall composed of chitin.