MOLTING HORMONE Meaning and
Definition
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Molting hormone, also known as ecdysteroid, is a type of steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the process of molting and development in various organisms. It is primarily responsible for triggering and regulating the molt cycle, a biological process characterized by the shedding of an old exoskeleton or cuticle and the subsequent growth of a new one in arthropods.
In insects, the molting hormone is synthesized and secreted by a specialized endocrine gland called the prothoracic gland. It acts on specific target cells in the epidermis, triggering a series of cellular and physiological changes that lead to the shedding of the old cuticle. These changes include the production of enzymes that degrade the old cuticle, the formation of new cuticles, and the growth of new appendages. The molting hormone also has an influence on the development and differentiation of various tissues and organs during growth and metamorphosis.
Ecdysteroids are not only found in insects but also in other arthropods, nematodes, crustaceans, and some plants. In these organisms, the molting hormone serves similar functions, regulating the molting process and coordinating growth and development. Additionally, ecdysteroids have been found to exhibit various biological activities outside of molting, such as regulating gene expression, cell proliferation, and immunity.
Overall, the molting hormone plays a vital role in the growth, development, and metamorphosis of organisms, particularly arthropods. Its precise control and regulation allow for the proper execution of molting processes and ensure the successful transition from one stage to the next in the life cycle of these organisms.
Common Misspellings for MOLTING HORMONE
- nolting hormone
- kolting hormone
- jolting hormone
- milting hormone
- mklting hormone
- mllting hormone
- mplting hormone
- m0lting hormone
- m9lting hormone
- mokting hormone
- mopting hormone
- mooting hormone
- molring hormone
- molfing hormone
- molging hormone
- molying hormone
- mol6ing hormone
- mol5ing hormone
- moltung hormone
- moltjng hormone
Etymology of MOLTING HORMONE
The etymology of the word "molting hormone" can be broken down as follows:
1. Molting: The term "molting" is derived from the Middle English word "mouten", which was derived from the Old English word "mūtian". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "mūtōną", meaning "to change" or "to exchange". The concept of molting refers to the process in which an animal sheds its outer layer, such as feathers, skin, or exoskeleton, to make way for new growth.
2. Hormone: The word "hormone" is derived from the Greek word "ormao", which means "to excite" or "to stimulate". It was first used in a medical sense by eminent physiologist Ernest Starling in the early 20th century.
