vitellogenesis
Quick Summary
Vitellogenesis refers to the process of yolk formation. This yolk is derived from a precursor protein called vitellogenin, which is normally found in the blood or hemolymph of female vertebrates. Vitellogenin serves as a biomarker for exposure to environmental estrogens, as these can stimulate elevated levels in both males and females.12
In crustaceans, a neurohormone from the eyestalk complex can inhibit vitellogenesis in the fat body and prevent the uptake of vitellogenin by oocytes in the ovary. However, older ovarian follicles may secrete a hormone that stimulates vitellogenin, overriding the eyestalk neurohormone's effect.3
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
