Chapter 25, Problem 7IQ

a.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The significance in the identification of the key difference in the Hox gene Ubx of Artemia and Drosophila, which is accountable for the suppression of legs in Drosophila.

Introduction: The homeotic genes are major regulator genes. Their major function is to direct the development of specific body structures and body segments. Mostly, homeotic genes of animals encode the transcription factor proteins. They consist of the homeodomain, which is a region present in the homeotic gene. It is also called as Hox genes.

b.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way how researchers determined the reduction or loss of protective spines was caused by the difference in the regulation of the developmental gene (Pitx1) and not in the gene itself.

Introduction: The combination of developmental and evolutionary biology is called “evo-devo”. It explores how a small alteration in the developmental gene will cause a main difference in the morphology between the species.