sclerotins
/skləˈroʊtɪnz/
noun
- A group of proteins that harden to form the tough outer shell or cuticle of insects and other arthropods.
- The process of tanning involves sclerotins cross-linking to create a durable material.
- Scientists study sclerotins to understand how beetles form their strong shells.
- Sclerotins are responsible for the hardness of an insect's exoskeleton.