HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The cuticle is the outer covering of the insect and is its exoskeleton to which the muscles are attached (Fig. 1). The outermost layer is called the epicuticle; under this is the exocuticle followed by the endocuticle. In some systems, the exo-and endocuticle are classed together as the procuticle.

Detailed explanation-2: -The tough and flexible endocuticle is a laminated structure of layers of interwoven fibrous chitin and protein molecules, while the exocuticle is the layer in which any major thickening, armouring and biomineralization occurs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The exoskeleton of insects is primarily made of proteins (sclerotin) and chitin (polysaccharide molecules), which are interwoven and linked together to form strong but flexible bundles. The ratio of the components varies from body part to body part on an insect.

Detailed explanation-4: -The epidermis, which is considered one of the most important outer layers of plants, is responsible for secreting the cuticle.