Describe the hormonal control of crustacean metamorphosis.
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14 hours ago
Crustacean metamorphosis is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily the steroid hormone ecdysone and the peptide hormone molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH).
Ecdysone is the primary hormone responsible for initiating and coordinating the various stages of crustacean metamorphosis. It is produced by the Y-organ, a gland located in the eyestalks of crustaceans, and is released into the hemolymph in response to environmental cues such as changes in temperature, photoperiod, and nutritional status. Ecdysone acts on target tissues to trigger molting, growth, and metamorphosis.
MIH, on the other hand, is produced by the X-organ, another gland located in the eyestalks of crustaceans. MIH acts as an inhibitor of ecdysone synthesis and release, preventing premature molting and metamorphosis. When levels of MIH decrease, ecdysone production is allowed to proceed, leading to the initiation of metamorphosis.
In addition to ecdysone and MIH, other hormones such as juvenile hormone (JH) and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) also play important roles in regulating crustacean metamorphosis. JH is involved in regulating growth and development during the larval stages, while CHH is involved in regulating metabolism and energy balance.
Overall, the hormonal control of crustacean metamorphosis is a highly coordinated process involving the interplay of multiple hormones that act on target tissues to regulate molting, growth, and development.