Abstract: The cuticle membrane consists of cutin and wax. It is a layer of hydrophobic lipid material covering the upper parts of plant, like flower, leaf and non-woody stem organs. It has the functions of limiting water plant excessive loss, resisting ultraviolet radiation, preventing pest invasion, and plays protective roles in the process of plant growth and development, and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is very important to study cuticle structure and chemical composition, which are the main reasons influencing its biological function. The paper reviewed the structure composition, biological function and commonly used methods for its separation; discussed problems existing in research, hoping to provide theoretical references for studying its physiological and biological functions in the future.

Key words: cuticle membrane, chemical composition, structure, biological function, separation method

摘要： 角质层包括角质和蜡质，是覆盖在花、叶和非木质茎等植物地上部分器官的一层疏水性脂类物质，具有限制植物体内水分过度散失、抵御紫外辐射、防止病虫害入侵等功能，在植物生长发育和适应生物与非生物逆境过程中起到重要保护作用。角质层结构以及化学组成是影响其生物学功能的主要原因，具有十分重要的研究价值。综述了植物角质层的结构组成、生物学功能及其常用分离方法，并对已有研究中存在的问题进行了探讨，以期为今后角质层生理作用及其生物学功能方面研究提供理论参考。

关键词: 角质层, 化学组成, 结构, 生物学功能, 分离方法