Body plans, homeobox genes

Question 1

What is morphogenis?

Answer 1

• the regulation of the pattern of anatomical development is called morphogenesis
• same small groups of genes that control growth and development of vastly different life forms

Question 2

How were the genes discovered?

Answer 2

• investigation strange mutations observed in flies
  
  • such as, legs on the head in place of antennae or extra pairs of wings

Question 3

WHy are fruit flies used?

Answer 3

• small
• easy to keep
• short life cycle
• therefore a popular choice in genetic studies

Question 4

What are homeobox genes?

Answer 4

groups o fgenes which all contain a homeobox

thjey are regulatory genes

Question 5

What is a homeobox?

Answer 5

• section of DNA 180 base pairs long coding for a part of the protein 60 amino acids long that is highly conserved (very similar) in plants, animals, and fungi

Question 6

WHat is a homeodomain?

Answer 6

• binds to DNA and switches other genes on or off

Question 7

What is the Pax6 gene? WHy is it significat?

Answer 7

• Pax6 is one of the homeobox genes
• it causes a form of blindness when mutated
  
  • due to the underdevelopment of the reina
• occurs in humans, mice and fruit flies etc.
• these finding suggest that Pax6 is a gene involved in the development of eyes in all three species