Chapter 23, Problem 1PDQ

(a)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The method by which one can identify that specific genes control the development in Drosophila.

Introduction: A gene is the basic functional unit of heredity. The genes are composed of DNA sequences. They control the expression of a particular trait. For example, eye color, skin color, and many more.

(b)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The method by which one can identify that molecular gradients are present in the egg of Drosophila.

Introduction: Embryogenesis refers to the process in which the formation and development of the embryo take place. In mammals, the embryogenesis refers to the early stages of prenatal development.

(c)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The method by which one can identify that the selector gene specifies the adult structure formed by body segments.

Introduction: The homeotic selector genes are responsible for the segment identity in Drosophila. The homeotic selector genes encode homeodomain proteins that interact with Hox and other homeotic genes.

(d)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The way by which one can learn the levels of gene regulation which is involved in vulval development in C. elegans.

Introduction: Gene regulation consists of mechanisms that act to induce or repress the expression of a gene. These mechanisms include structural and chemical alterations to the genetic material.

(e)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The way in which one can identify that eye formation in all animals is regulated by a binary switch gene.

Introduction: The regulatory switches are the regions of DNA that can be bound with a particular activator or repressor in a sequence-specific manner. They are present near the coding region.