Resilin
- Pronunciation
- /REZ-ih-lin/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- resilin
Definition
An elastomeric, rubber-like protein found in the of many insects and other , characterized by near-perfect elastic energy storage that enables rapid, efficient mechanical movements without significant heat loss.
Etymology
From Latin resilire (to leap back, rebound), reflecting its elastic properties.
Example
In the wing hinges of locusts, resilin acts as a spring that stores elastic energy during the downstroke and releases it to power the upstroke, dramatically reducing the metabolic cost of .
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Resilin is distinguished from (the hardened, sclerotized protein) by its amorphous, cross-linked structure and exceptional (often >90% energy return). It appears as colorless or faintly blue autofluorescent patches under UV light, a property used to map its distribution in specimens. Found in wing hinges, leg joints, and jumping apparatuses of , , and many other insects; also present in some crustacean and arachnid joints. The term is sometimes used adjectivally ("resilin pad," "resilin-dominated joint").