In terms of its composition, cartilage is mainly made up of mucopolysaccharide proteins (a polymer composed of proteins and sugar), and collagen. Mucopolysaccharides are substances that are associated with collagen, and these include chondroitin sulphate (a variety of glycosaminoglycan), which is subsequently broken down by the body into glucosamine and other end products. These components include chondroitin sulphate (a variety of glycosaminoglycan), which is subsequently broken down by the body into glucosamine and other end products. Shark cartilage also contains varying amounts of calcium and phosphorus.