Drosophila melanogaster have been used as a model system for generations as an ideal organism for the study of development, behavior, and genetics due to their short life cycle (allows for larger fly production), ease of culture, and on a molecular level, shares many similar features and pathways with humans. Being able to produce multiple generations and view the different life cycles of the flies allows us to easily observe the effects of hormone concentration upon the growth and development of the organisms. In insects, the two hormones, juvenile hormone and ecdysone (Ponasterone A), control timing of normal molting, and formation of the pupa. (Yamanaka). Ecdysone is is a steroidal prohormone of the major insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone, one of many hormones which regulate growth in Drosophila. Ecdysone is essential in transforming the body plan of insects from larva to the adult fly by activating the programmed cell death of larval tissues and causing cell shape changes in the imaginal discs during Drosophila metamorphosis. Ecdysone signaling is important in morphogenetic movements that shape the first instar larva.
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