What is the body wall of an insect composed of?

✅ Explanation:The body wall of an insect, also known as the integument, is a complex structure composed of three main layers: cuticle, epidermis (hypodermis), and basement membrane.

✏️Cuticle:
-It is the outermost layer of integument.
-It is made up of chitin (25-60%) and protein (25-40%).
-It is a non-cellular, non-living layer and secreted by the hypodermis.
-The cuticle is further divided into epicuticle and procuticle.
-The epicuticle is made of a non-chitinous protein layer.
-The procuticle has chitin and protein layer.
-Chitin: It is a nitrogenous polysaccharide (carbohydrates) consisting of several chains of acetyl glucosamine and glucosamine residue.
-Arthropodin: The main structural proteins of insects are known as arthropodin. It is an untanned protein and soluble in water.
-Sclerotin: It is a tanned protein that is water insoluble.
-Resilin: Elastic protein responsible for the flexibility of wings and sclerites.

✏️Epidermis (Hypodermis):
-It is the second layer of the body wall beneath the cuticle.
-It is a unicellular active layer of the body wall.
-The main function of the epidermis is to secrete cuticle.

✏️Basement membrane:
-It is the innermost non-cellular layer of insect integument to which muscles are attached.
-Chitin: A tough polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of insects and other arthropods.
-Sclerotin: A protein that hardens the cuticle and makes it more rigid.
-Molting: The process by which insects shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new one.