Conservation of HOM genes

Question 1

What other species are known to have HOM genes?

Answer 1

Insects, mammals, plants

Question 2

What are the equivalent genes in vertebrates?

Answer 2

Hox genes in vertebrates are homologous with HOM-C genes in Drosophila.

Question 3

How do we know Hox genes are similar?

Answer 3

• Mutations in mice Hox genes affect identity of repeated structure such as the vertebrate.
• Fly can function with chick Hox protein in place of its own
• The more anterior genes of each cluster, the earlier they’re expressed

Therefore both structure and function of HOM is conserved.