Tectin is an organic substance secreted by certain
ciliate
The ciliates are a group of alveolates characterized by the presence of hair-like organelles called cilia, which are identical in structure to eukaryotic flagella, but are in general shorter and present in much larger numbers, with a differen ...
s.
Tectin may form an adhesive stalk, disc or other sticky secretion. Tectin may also form a gelatinous envelope or membrane enclosing some ciliates as a protective capsule or
lorica. Tectin is also called pseudo
chitin. Granules or rods (called
protrichocysts) in the
pellicle of some ciliates are also thought to be involved in tectin secretion.
See also
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Chitin
*
Conchiolin
Conchiolins (sometimes referred to as conchins) are complex proteins which are secreted by a mollusc's outer epithelium (the mantle).
These proteins are part of a matrix of organic macromolecules, mainly proteins and polysaccharides, that ass ...
*
Sporopollenin
270px, SEM image of pollen grains
Sporopollenin is one of the most chemically inert biological polymers. It is a major component of the tough outer (exine) walls of plant spores and pollen grains. It is chemically very stable and is usually well ...
References
Ciliate biology
Biomolecules
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