INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE HISTOCHEMISTRY OF CHITIN

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Abstract
1. Investigations into the histochemistry of chitin are described. 2. Chitin can be identified by its positive periodic acid Schiff, Hale, and alcian blue reactions. The periodic acid Schiff reaction is decreased by deamination, and the alcain blue and Hale reactions are blocked by methylation and acetylation procedures. Methylation increases considerably the very weak bromphenol blue reaction. 3. The Hale and alcian blue reactions of chitin are probably due to the formation of chelate complexes. 4. Methylation of chitin apparently causes deacetylation. 5. Deamination of chitin appears to result in a molecular rearrangement of the glucosamine molecule. 6. The importance of these reactions in the histochemical analysis of polysaccharides is discussed.