Body plans Flashcards
1
Q
What are homeobox genes?
A
A group of regulatory genes that control body development
2
Q
What do homeobox genes code for?
A
The homeodomain, a highly conserved part of a protein that is 60 amino acids long
3
Q
What does highly conserved mean?
A
It is very similar in plants, animals and fungi
4
Q
What does the homeodomain do?
A
Binds to DNA and switches genes on or off
5
Q
What are transcription factors?
A
Proteins that bind to DNA and switches genes on or off (e.g. the homeodomain)
6
Q
Why are fruit flies good subjects for studying genetics?
A
- Small, easy to keep and cheap
- Short life cycle so easy to observe genetic change
- Few ethical considerations
