Evo-devo

Question 1

Which genes regulate the development of the body axis in animals?

Answer 1

Hox genes

Question 2

What are the three major processes of embryonic development?

Answer 2

Cell division, cell differentiation and morphogenesis

Question 3

What is the general role of Wnt signalling during development?

Answer 3

To regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and tissue patterning during embryonic development

Question 4

What is the general role of Hedgehog signalling during development?

Answer 4

It is crucial for embryonic patterning and organogenesis

Question 5

How can transcription be regulated?

Answer 5

Promoters, enhanchers/repressors, epigenetic regulation, transcription factors

Question 6

How can genes be regulated post transcription?

Answer 6

Alternative splicing, RNA stability and turnover, RNA interference, protein modifications

Question 7

What are the basic mechanisms of evolutionary change?

Answer 7

Natural selection, sexual selection, mutations, recombination
Also
Genetic drift and gene flow

Question 8

What are the potential applications of Evo-Devo?

Answer 8

Understanding birth defects, regenerative medicine, evolution of disease resistance, comparative anatomy, evolutionary responses to environmental changes, climate change responses, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management

Question 9

How can variation in Hox genes lead to evolutionary changes?

Answer 9

1) Changes in Hox gene number and/or organization
2) Changes in regulation and gene expression pattern
3) Changes in function and regulation of downstream genes