Related Words

Cuticle: A film composed of wax and cutin that occurs on the external surface of plant stems and leaves and helps to prevent water loss.

Exuviae: The parts of cuticle cast off during moulting.

Ecdysis: Moulting: the periodic casting off of the cuticle.

Chitin: A polysaccharide contained in fungi; also forms part of the hard outer covering of insects.

Xerophytic Leaves: The leaves of plants that grow under arid conditions with low levels of soil and water. Usually characterized by water-conserving features such as thick cuticle and sunken stomatal pits.

Epidermis: 1. The outermost layer of skin consisting of several layers of epithelial cells&emdash;notably, keratinocytes&emdash;and, in the inner layer of the epidermis, basal cells and melanocytes. 2. . . . View Full Definition