Chapter 26, Problem 3CONQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether mutation is observed in the segmentation gene or the homeotic gene in fruit flies with given developmental abnormalities:

A. Three abdominal segments missing.

B. Legs present in one abdominal segment.

C. Fly has two more thoracic segments and two less abdominal segments while the total number of segments are normal.

Introduction:

Fruit flies develop various abnormalities due to mutation during development. These mutations can take place in the segmentation gene or the homeotic gene. Segmentation genes are responsible for the development of segments in fruit flies or other animals that show segmentation. Segmentation genes can be divided into three different groups which include segment polarity genes, pair-rule genes, and gap genes. The development of various anatomic structures in different segments of the body of flies is controlled by homeotic genes.