Hox genes
Hox Genes
Hox genes (pronounced: hawks genes) are a group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis. They are essential for the proper placement of segment structures in animals from insects to mammals.
Etymology
The term "Hox" is a portmanteau derived from "Homeobox", which refers to a specific DNA sequence found within genes that are involved in the regulation of patterns of anatomical development (morphogenesis) in animals, fungi and plants.
Function
Hox genes encode for protein products that function as transcription factors. They bind to specific sites on DNA and control the transcription of other genes. This regulation of gene expression influences the developmental fate of different cells and tissues in the organism.
Related Terms
- Homeobox: A DNA sequence found within genes that are involved in the regulation of development (morphogenesis) in animals, fungi and plants.
- Transcription factor: A protein that controls the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA, by binding to a specific DNA sequence.
- Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.
- Morphogenesis: The biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hox genes
- Wikipedia's article - Hox genes
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