Arsenate ion is a tetrahedral oxyy-anion. Therefore, there is ample
possibility for the involvement of molecular mimicry of the
arsenate ion for iodide. All in all, environmental cues influence
endocrine responses that control the timing of metamorphosis.
Published reports suggest that arsenic could disrupt thyroid hormone dependent processes. In an amphibianex vivotail metamorphosis assay, arsenic at very low doses (0.1–4.0lM) profoundly
affected the metamorphosis process involving a thyroid hormone
receptor-dependent mechanism.