释义 |
ectocrine|ˈɛktəʊkraɪn, -ɪn| [f. ecto- + -crine as in endocrine.] An external metabolite which on release to the external world influences the vital processes of members of the same or other species. Also attrib.
1947C. E. Lucas in Biol. Reviews XXII. 291 Many organisms have adapted themselves to tolerate or take advantage of the external metabolites of their neighbours... Ecological relationships appear to have arisen in this way, both stimulating or inhibiting..community integration, competition and succession, and probably symbiosis. The term ‘ectocrine’ is suggested for a substance mediating such processes. 1961― in M. Sears Oceanography 508 The production of a very small number of specific algae..may depend on..particular harmful ectocrines not reaching dangerous concentrations. Ibid. 509 Ectocrine processes may also be relevant in any attempts which may yet be made to culture ‘food’ algae on a commercial scale. 1963Henderson Dict. Biol. Terms (ed. 8) 162/1 Ectocrine, organic substances or decomposition products in the external medium which inhibit or stimulate plant life. 1967Oceanogr. & Marine Biol. V. iii. 104 The fertility of the English Channel during the following winter much depends on the partition of nutrients and ectocrines which occurs at these several discontinuities. |