sclerotised
Sclerotised is an adjective used in biology, particularly in entomology and mycology, to describe a tissue or structure that has become hardened and darkened. This process, known as sclerotisation, involves the deposition of a sclerotising agent, typically quinones, onto the protein and chitin matrices of the cuticle or cell walls. This chemical transformation results in a rigid, dark, and often waterproof material.
In insects, sclerotisation is a crucial step in the development of their exoskeleton. Newly molted insects
In fungi, sclerotised structures, known as sclerotia, are hardy, dormant bodies. These are typically composed of