cuticle
A waxy covering on the surface of stems and leaves that acts as an adaptation to prevent desiccation in terrestrial plants.
The cuticle is a protective layer that covers the surface of leaves in plants and the outermost layer of animal hair or skin. It is composed of waxy substances and is secreted by specialized epidermal cells. The thickness and composition of the cuticle can vary depending on the species of plant or animal and the environmental conditions in which they live.
In plants, the cuticle serves as a barrier against water loss and protects the plant from environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pests, and pathogens. It also plays a crucial role in gas exchange by regulating the movement of gases between the plant and its environment.
In animals, the cuticle serves as a barrier against physical trauma, dehydration, and external pathogens. The composition of the cuticle can vary depending on the location of the animal on the body and its natural habitat. For example, in aquatic animals, the cuticle is often thinner and more flexible to facilitate movement through water.
Overall, the cuticle plays an important role in protecting the integrity of the outermost layer of plants and animals and enabling them to thrive in their respective environments.
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