Homeobox Genes

Question 1

What is a homeobox gene?

Answer 1

codes for a homeodomain protein which is a transcription factor - can be an activator or repressor

it controls the development of body plans - e.g. where our head and legs would be

Question 2

Why are homeodomain protains highly conserved?

Answer 2

in animals, plants and fungi

very old
very important

mutations can - change body plan, affect the expression of other genes, can be fatal