procuticle
Arthropod shell material
The procuticle is the main structural layer of arthropod exoskeleton, lying beneath the thin outer epicuticle.
It consists of chitin fibers embedded in a protein matrix, providing both flexibility and strength.
The procuticle typically has two sublayers: a harder outer exocuticle and a softer inner endocuticle.
During molting, parts of the procuticle are reabsorbed before the old cuticle is shed.
Arthropod shell polymer
- laminateBond thin layers together
- stratifiedArranged in stacked layers
- basement membraneExtracellular matrix beneath epithelia
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
biopolymer · proteinaceous · cross-linking · biochemistry · lamellae · matrix
Arthropod shell polymer
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- rigidityState of being unbending
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
- hydrophobicRepels aqueous substances
elasticity · toughness · durability · waterproofing · gas exchange
Curing hides or bronzing
- hardeningBecoming less soft
- cross-linkingBonds joining parallel chains
- quinoneCyclic conjugated diketone
- melanizationDeposition of dark pigment
Arthropod developmental stage
- digestionBodily food breakdown
- resorptionBody reclaiming its tissue
- separationState of being apart
Water-insoluble biomolecules
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- secretionSubstance released by glands
chitin
Arthropod shell polymer
- laminateBond thin layers together
- stratifiedArranged in stacked layers
- basement membraneExtracellular matrix beneath epithelia
epidermis · biopolymer · proteinaceous · cross-linking · biochemistry · lamellae · matrix
chitin
Arthropod shell polymer
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- rigidityState of being unbending
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
hydrophobic · elasticity · toughness · durability · waterproofing · gas exchange
tanning
Curing hides or bronzing
- hardeningBecoming less soft
- cross-linkingBonds joining parallel chains
- quinoneCyclic conjugated diketone
melanization · calcification · stiffening · tyrosine · dopamine
instar
Arthropod developmental stage
- digestionBodily food breakdown
- resorptionBody reclaiming its tissue
- separationState of being apart
lipids
Water-insoluble biomolecules
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- exoskeletonexoskeleton, chitin, integument, carapace, elytra