cutin

American  

[kyoo-tin] / ˈkyu tɪn /

noun

1. a transparent, waxy substance constituting, together with cellulose, the cuticle of plants.

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cutin British  

/ ˈkjuːtɪn /

noun

1. a waxy waterproof substance, consisting of derivatives of fatty acids, that is the main constituent of the plant cuticle

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cutin Scientific  

/ kyo̅o̅t′n /

1. A waxlike, water-repellent polyester consisting of fatty acids and aromatic compounds that occurs naturally in the walls of many plant cells. Cutin acts together with wax to form the cuticle, a barrier protecting the aboveground surfaces of plants from water loss and microbial attack.

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Etymology

Origin of cutin

1860–65; < Latin cut ( is ) skin, cutis + -in ²

Example Sentences

The discoverers of PETase also suggested that it may have evolved from bacterial enzymes used to break down cutin, a waxy polymer that coats leaves.

From Economist • Apr. 16, 2018

The structure of the enzyme looked very similar to one evolved by many bacteria to break down cutin, a natural polymer used as a protective coating by plants.

From The Guardian • Apr. 16, 2018

The term cuto-celluloses is applied to the group of substances, including suberin and cutin, which constitute waterproof cell-walls.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred

Due to the presence of cutin in the cell walls, epidermis is last to be digested.

From Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado by Douglas, Charles L.

Motor cells; 2. stomata; 3. sclerenchyma; 4. epidermis; 5. cutin layer.

From A Handbook of Some South Indian Grasses by Rangachari, K.