Peritrophic membranes are secretion products of the midgut. For long they have been related only to insects, but they occur widely in the animal kingdom. They affect a part of the gut lumen and function not only as a mechanical protection barrier, but also as an ultrafilter, a barrier to parasites, and as envelopes for fecal pellets. Such peritrophic envelopes are of great ecological importance in marine environments. This is a comprehensive compilation of all data concerning peritrophic membranes which aims to provide a basis for future researches in the field. Topics covered include the occurence, formation and structure, degradation, chemical composition, and functions of peritrophic membranes.
- ISBN10 3540536353
- ISBN13 9783540536352
- Publish Date 30 April 1992
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 11 November 2010
- Publish Country DE
- Publisher Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG
- Imprint Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 250
- Language English