Ecdysone agonists

Definition

Substances that mimic or enhance the effects of ecdysone, a steroid hormone that induces molting in insects.

Etymology

From Greek 'ekdysis', meaning 'molting', and 'agonist', meaning 'a substance that binds to a receptor and triggers a biological response'.

Example

Ecdysone agonists are used in research to study the mechanisms of molting and insect development.

Related Terms

• Ecdysone
• Insect growth regulators

Usage Notes

The term 'ecdysone agonist' is often used interchangeably with 'ecdysteroid agonist'.