The water-repellent cerotegument of whip-spiders (Arachnida: Amblypygi)
The cuticle of arthropods is usually composed of layers of a chitin-protein-microcomposite, a proteinaceous epicuticle and a thin lipid coating. However, in some instances a thick cement layer (cerotegument) covers the cuticle and may produce elaborate microstructures. This has previously been descr...
| Veröffentlicht in: | Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT. - 2011. - Amsterdam [u.a.] |
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| 1. Verfasser: | |
| Weitere Verfasser: | , |
| Format: | Online-Aufsatz |
| Sprache: | English |
| Veröffentlicht: |
2017transfer abstract
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| Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk: | Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT |
| Schlagworte: | Arachnida Amblypygi Surface coating Plastron Anti-wetting Colloid |
| Umfang: | 14 |
| Zusammenfassung: | The cuticle of arthropods is usually composed of layers of a chitin-protein-microcomposite, a proteinaceous epicuticle and a thin lipid coating. However, in some instances a thick cement layer (cerotegument) covers the cuticle and may produce elaborate microstructures. This has previously been described for millipedes and mites. Here we report the previously unknown presence of a superhydrophobic cerotegument in whip-spiders (Ambypygi) and reveal its variation in ultrastructure and water-repellence between species. We discuss the relevance of found micro-morphological and physical characters for taxonomy and phylogenetics of this group, and the potential biological functions. The cuticle of arthropods is usually composed of layers of a chitin-protein-microcomposite, a proteinaceous epicuticle and a thin lipid coating. However, in some instances a thick cement layer (cerotegument) covers the cuticle and may produce elaborate microstructures. This has previously been described for millipedes and mites. Here we report the previously unknown presence of a superhydrophobic cerotegument in whip-spiders (Ambypygi) and reveal its variation in ultrastructure and water-repellence between species. We discuss the relevance of found micro-morphological and physical characters for taxonomy and phylogenetics of this group, and the potential biological functions. |
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| Beschreibung: | 14 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.asd.2016.10.010 |