Cuticle Structure and Function Flashcards

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32 cards   |   Total Attempts: 188
  

Cards In This Set

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