Homeobox
Homeobox
Homeobox (pronunciation: /ˈhoʊmiːəˌbɒks/) is a DNA sequence found within genes that are involved in the regulation of patterns of anatomical development (morphogenesis) in animals, fungi and plants.
Etymology
The term "homeobox" was coined in 1984 following the discovery of the homeotic genes in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The word "homeo-" comes from the Greek ομοιος (homoios), meaning "similar", and "box" refers to the characteristic DNA sequence.
Function
Homeobox genes encode homeodomain protein products that are transcription factors sharing a common DNA-binding domain, known as the homeobox domain. These proteins bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate the transcription of targeted genes, thereby controlling morphogenesis.
Related Terms
- Homeotic genes: These are a group of genes that control the pattern of body formation during early embryonic development.
- Hox genes: A subset of homeotic genes, Hox genes are a group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis.
- Homeodomain: This is the part of the protein that binds to DNA sequences. The homeodomain is a sequence of about 60 amino acids in the part of the protein that binds to DNA.
- 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.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Homeobox
- Wikipedia's article - Homeobox
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