PPT Slide

Structure of the Exoskeleton

• Composed of the polysaccharide chitin and protein - glycoprotein

• Outer surface called the epicuticle; contains waxes

• The thicker portion is called the procuticle:

  • exocuticle
  • endocuticle

• In the exocuticle, the glycoprotein chains are cross linked; process is called tanning

epicuticle

exocuticle

endocuticle

epidermis

procuticle

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