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Line 1: − + − Cells in the beetle secrete hydroquinones and hydrogen peroxide which collect in a reservoir that opens through a valve controlled by a muscle into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has thick walls lined with cells secreting catalases and peroxidases. When the hydroquinones and hydrogen peroxide are forced through the valve into the reaction chamber, the hydrogen peroxide is broken down by the catalases and peroxidases and oxidized into p-quinones. This process releases free oxygen and generates heat that brings the mixture to boiling point and vaporizes about 20% of it.+
improved with links and explanation
'''Bombardier beetles''' are a family of ground beetles comprising over 500 individual species. When aggravated they have the ability to blast predators a noxious mix of chemicals from glands in their abdomen, hence the name 'Bombardier' beetle.
'''Bombardier beetles''' are a family of ground [[beetles]] comprising over 500 individual species. When aggravated they have the ability to blast predators with a noxious mix of chemicals from glands in their abdomen, hence the name 'bombardier' beetle (a bombardier was a soldier in charge of heavy [[artillery]]).
== Defense mechanism ==
== Defense mechanism ==
[[Cell]]s in the beetle secrete hydroquinones and [[hydrogen peroxide]] which collect in a reservoir that opens through a valve controlled by a muscle into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has thick walls lined with cells secreting catalases and peroxidases. When the hydroquinones and hydrogen peroxide are forced through the valve into the reaction chamber, the hydrogen peroxide is broken down by the catalases and peroxidases and oxidized into p-quinones. This process releases free oxygen and generates heat that brings the mixture to boiling point and vaporizes about 20% of it.
The heat and vapor creates pressure that forces the valve closed, and squirts the chemicals through openings at the tip of the abdomen.
The heat and vapor creates pressure that forces the valve closed, and squirts the chemicals through openings at the tip of the abdomen.