Question

Which one of these is a secretion from the body of an insect?
A. Lac
B. Pearl
C. Coral
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Insects are a class of arthropods. They have complex glandular systems that produce a variety of secretions. Most of these secretions are for defensive purposes. Some are for attracting mating partners. Various secretions are useful to humans. One of the secretions of scale insects is used in making bangles, dyes of wool, etc.

Complete answer:
Lac insects are a family of scale insects that are commonly known as Lac scales. These insects are raised for commercial purposes. The commonly used Lac insect is called Kerria lacca. They secrete a waxy resinous substance that is harvested and then converted into Lac. It is then used as dyes, food glazes, wood finishing varnishes, polishes, and cosmetics. The cultivation of Lac begins with a stick that is colonized by ready-to-hatch eggs. These sticks are tied to trees to be infested. These branches are later localized by thousands of Lac insects. These Lac insects then secrete the pigmented resinous pigment. Once, the secretion is completed, the branches or sticks are cut and harvested. This harvested product is called sticklac. The sticklac is then crushed and sieves to make it pure from insect impurities. Repeated washing procedures are performed to remove any residual insect impurities. This purified product is then termed as seedlac. The seedlac has a pellet shape and still contains \[3-5%\] impurities. Further purification processes like heat treatment and solvent extraction are done.
Hence, from the above discussion, we can conclude that option A is correct.

Note: Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra are leading cultivator regions for Lac in India. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam also cultivate Lac. Lac is being used from ancient times as a wood finish, skin cosmetic, and dye for silk and wool. It is also used as a dye for leather goods in China. Lac bangles are famous in India which is also made from Lac.