Final answer:
The nematode cuticle contains chitin, a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide that provides protection and support for the nematode.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nematode cuticle is an essential feature that provides the nematode with protection and support. It contains a substance known as chitin, which is a tough, nitrogen-containing polysaccharide. Chitin is found in the cuticles of various arthropods and in the cell walls of fungi, and it's composed of repeating units of N-acetyl- ß-D-glucosamine, a modified sugar, that forms a carbohydrate-protein polymer network within the cuticle. Nematode's cuticle, which also lines the pharynx and rectum, is crucial as it offers protection against environmental stressors and must be continually shed to accommodate growth.