Tectin (secretion)

Tectin is an organic substance secreted by certain ciliates.

[1][2][3][4] Tectin may form an adhesive stalk, disc or other sticky secretion.

Tectin may also form a gelatinous envelope or membrane enclosing some ciliates as a protective capsule or lorica.

Tectin is also called pseudochitin.

Granules or rods (called protrichocysts) in the pellicle of some ciliates are also thought to be involved in tectin secretion.