Body plans Flashcards
What are homeobox genes?
a group of genes which all contain a homeobox (regulatory genes)
What is a homeobox?
a section of DNA that codes for part of a protein
What is the name of the part of a protein that a homeobox codes for?
homeodomain
What does a homeodomain do?
binds to DNA and switches other genes on or off
What are hox genes?
a group of homeobox genes that are only present in animals
What are hox genes responsible for?
the correct positioning of body parts in animals
What are the 3 types of symmetry in animal body shapes?
radial symmetry, bilateral symmetry and asymmetry
What is apoptosis?
programmed cell death
How does apoptosis shape a body?
removal of unwanted tissues and cells
What are the stages of apoptosis?
enzymes in cell break down proteins in cytoplasm and DNA condenses and fragments, cell begins to shrink and blebs form which break off into apoptotic bodies which are engulfed by phagocytes which destroys the cell
