Chapter 9, Problem 10Q

Summary Introduction

To determine: The reason why mobile genetic elements are very rare in the HoxD gene cluster.

Introduction: Hox gene complex is the set of genes responsible for maintaining the basic body plan of an organism. The organization of Hox genes in chromosome 2 is the same as the order of their expression along the anterior–posterior axis of the developing animal. Mobile genetic elements also known as transposable elements generate considerable mutations in the genes that might be deleterious or neutral or with little benefits. But in the Hox gene complex, the chance for such mutation is rare as there are no mobile genetic elements.