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Ascaris Worms' Chitinous Structure

Chitin is one of the most abundant organic molecules on Earth. It is found in the exoskeleton (outer-skeleton) of insects, crabs and lobsters and provides internal structural support to other invertebrates. Eggs of the human parasitic worm Ascaris lumbricoides are protected by their chitinous structure.

  1. Ascaris Life Cycle

    • Eggs hatch after ingestion by their human host. Once hatched, larva enter a complex process ending in the small intestine where they survive as adults. Females can produce 65 million eggs in a lifetime that leave their host in the feces. Their chitinous structure protects them from desiccation as they incubate in soil and from acidic degradation as larval forms travel through the body to the small intestine.

    Protection of Ascaris Eggs

    • According to the France Chitine website, chitinous structure consists of the amino sugar glucosamine in a polysaccharide (long chain) formation. Ascaris eggs are resistant to most adverse environmental conditions including strong acids and varying temperatures. This chitinous structure protects the eggs and is critical to their survival.

    Human Uses of Chitin

    • By-products of crustacean processing provide chitin for human use. Chitin is used as a wound healing agent, a stabilizer and thickener in foods and pharmaceuticals, and a strengthening agent for paper products.

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