Cellulose and chitin are examples of what type of polysaccharides?

Cellulose and chitin are classified as structural polysaccharides. This classification is based on their roles in providing support and protection within the organisms that produce them. Cellulose is a key component of plant cell walls, giving rigidity and strength, allowing plants to maintain their structure and resist external pressures. Chitin, on the other hand, is found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi, serving a similar supportive function.

Structural polysaccharides are distinguished from storage polysaccharides, which are primarily used for energy storage (like starch and glycogen). Digestible polysaccharides refer to those that can be broken down by the human digestive system, which doesn't typically include cellulose due to our lack of the necessary enzymes, while fermentable polysaccharides can be utilized by gut bacteria but aren’t solely focused on structural roles.

Thus, cellulose and chitin's primary function in providing structural integrity reinforces their classification as structural polysaccharides.