Desiccation resistance: effect of cuticular hydrocarbons and water content in Drosophila melanogaster adults
Background The insect cuticle covers the whole body and all appendages and has bi-directionnal selective permeability: it protects against environmental stress and pathogen infection and also helps to reduce water loss.The adult cuticle is often associated with a superficial layer of fatty Facial Cleanser acid-derived molecules such as waxes and lo