In insects its release is stimulated by prothoracicotropic hormone . It acts on specific gene loci, stimulating the synthesis of proteins involved in these bodily changes.
Some plants contain phytoecdysones , which are structurally similar to the insect ecdysones.
They may help to protect the plant by interfering with the moulting cycle of insect pests that consume plant tissue. Y organ Dictionary of Biology, Oxford University Press 4. A Dictionary of Science, Oxford University Press 5. All rights reserved.