3/4 Flashcards
What is the body cavity in insects called?
hemocoel
The blood in this cavity is referred to as hemolymph.
What percentage of an insect’s body weight is made up of hemolymph?
20-40%
What type of circulatory system do insects have?
open circulatory system
What is the primary function of hemolymph in insects?
transports food, metabolic waste, and hormones
What are blood cells in insects called?
hemocytes
Do insects produce antibodies?
No
How do blood cells in insects respond to foreign objects?
phagocytosis or encapsulation
What is the function of general-purpose antibacterial proteins in insects?
to combat infections
Is hemolymph involved in gas exchange in most insects?
No
What is the notable exception regarding hemolymph and gas exchange?
Some insects in low oxygen environments use hemoglobin
What do prothoracic glands secrete?
ecdysone (molting hormone)
What type of molecule is ecdysone?
steroid
What is juvenile hormone (JH) classified as?
terpene
What is the role of juvenile hormones in insects?
regulate metamorphosis and reproduction
What triggers the molt in insects?
release of molting hormone into the blood
What maintains juvenile characteristics in insects?
level of juvenile hormone in the blood
What are the basic steps of molting in insects?
- Apolysis
- Formation of the new cuticle
- Ecdysis
What occurs during apolysis?
The epidermis retracts from the cuticle
What fills the apolysial space during molting?
inactive molting fluid
What differentiates into endo- and exocuticle during molting?
the procuticle
What is the gland that secretes juvenile hormone?
corpora allata
True or False: Ecdysone is secreted by the corpora allata.
False
Fill in the blank: The gland that secretes ecdysone is located in the _______.
prothorax
What is the role of the molting fluid during molting?
dissolves the old endocuticle
