Juvenile hormone
- Pronunciation
- /JOO-vuh-nile HOR-mohn/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Juvenile hormone
- Plural
- Juvenile hormones
Definition
A group of hormones in insects that regulate development, reproduction, and metamorphosis, maintaining larval characteristics until the appropriate stage for pupation or adulthood is reached.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'juvenilis', meaning 'youthful' or 'young', and Greek 'hormao', meaning 'to excite'.
Example
The application of juvenile hormone analogs can prevent premature metamorphosis in pest control strategies.
Synonyms
- JH
Related Terms
- Ecdysone
- Metamorphosis
- Larval stage
- Insect growth regulators
Usage Notes
Juvenile hormone levels must be precisely regulated for proper insect development; imbalances can cause developmental issues or failure to metamorphose correctly.