State the function of homeotic genes. Describe how nurse cells in fruit flies can affect larval development independent of the larval genotype.
State the function of homeotic genes. Describe how nurse cells in fruit flies can affect larval development independent of the larval genotype.
Homeotic genes are a group of genes that control the pattern of body formation during early embryonic development of organisms. These genes encode proteins called transcription factors that direct cells to form various parts of the body.
Homeotic genes are responsible for determining the identity of particular segments or structures of the body. So, when homeotic genes are inactivated or expressed in unusual locations due to mutations, they may cause body segments to develop in the wrong place. Most animal homeotic genes encode transcription factor proteins that contain a -binding protein region, called the homeodomain, which is encoded by a segment of DNA called the homeobox. Due to the presence of homeobox, the homeotic genes of this class are sometimes called Hox genes.
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