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What is the "skin" of insects called?
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Cuticle or exoskeleton
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What is the outermost layer of the cuticle?
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Epicuticle
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How thick is the epicuticle?
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0.1-2 micrometers thick
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What layers comprise the epicuticle?
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Cement layer
Wax layer Outer epicuticle Inner epicuticle |
What is the function of the cement layer?
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It is a hardened layer for protection
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What is the function of the wax layer? Which components of the wax layer help with this function?
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It prevents dessication and water loss
It contains hydrocarbons, lipids, and hydrophobic proteins |
Why is the exoskeleton the main barrier to the loss of water in insects?
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Because insects have a relatively large evaporative surface area in proportion to the volume of their bodies
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What is the dermal gland?
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The duct opening that spans through the various layers such as the large procuticle and the small epicuticle
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How is the wax layer in the epicuticle targeted as a part of insect control? Give an example of such an agent.
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Powders such as boric acid is used to abrade and disrupt the wax layer
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What is the function of the procuticle?
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Support of the body
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How thick is the procuticle?
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0.5-10 micrometers thick
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What layers is the procuticle made of?
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The exocuticle and the endocuticle
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Describe the exocuticle and its function
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It provides body support via its hard and rigid texture
It is darkened in appearance |
What is the exocuticle composed of?
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Chitin
Many different kinds of proteins Lipids Water |
Why is the exocuticle darkened in appearance?
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Because the exocuticle goes through the chemical process of sclerotization/tanning
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