Prothoracicotropic hormone

Prothoracicotropic hormone (often abbreviated as PTTH) is a hormone that stimulates the prothorax in insects to produce ecdysone, a hormone necessary for the process of molting. PTTH is produced in the brain of the insect and released into the hemolymph, the insect's equivalent of blood.

Function

The primary function of PTTH is to stimulate the prothorax to produce ecdysone. This hormone is crucial for the process of molting, in which the insect sheds its old exoskeleton and forms a new one. This process is necessary for the insect to grow and develop. PTTH is released in response to various signals, including changes in day length, temperature, and the insect's nutritional status.

Structure

PTTH is a protein hormone, composed of two identical subunits. Each subunit is made up of approximately 120 amino acids. The two subunits are held together by disulfide bonds. The exact structure of PTTH can vary between different species of insects.

Regulation

The release of PTTH is regulated by a complex network of signals. These can include environmental cues, such as changes in day length and temperature, as well as internal signals, such as the insect's nutritional status. The exact mechanisms of this regulation are still not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research.

Role in Insect Development

PTTH plays a crucial role in the development of insects. By stimulating the production of ecdysone, it triggers the process of molting, allowing the insect to grow and develop. Without PTTH, insects would not be able to molt and would therefore be unable to grow.

See Also

• Ecdysone
• Molting
• Insect physiology

References

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