Homeotic gene
Homeotic gene
Homeotic gene (pronunciation: ho·me·ot·ic gene, /hoʊmiːɒtɪk dʒiːn/) is a type of gene that controls the development of the body plan of an organism. The term "homeotic" is derived from the Greek words "homoios" meaning similar and "tiktos" meaning born.
Homeotic genes are responsible for the proper positioning and formation of body parts and organs in an organism during its embryonic development. They are a subset of homeobox genes, which contain a specific DNA sequence known as the homeobox.
Function
Homeotic genes encode transcription factors that regulate the expression of other genes. They determine where certain anatomical structures (like wings, legs, or antennae) will develop in an organism during morphogenesis. If a homeotic gene is mutated or expressed in the wrong place, it can lead to dramatic transformations, such as the formation of a leg where an antenna should be in a fruit fly.
Types of Homeotic Genes
There are two main types of homeotic genes: Hox genes and ParaHox genes. Hox genes are found in clusters and determine the head-to-tail body axis in animals. ParaHox genes, on the other hand, are involved in the patterning of the gut and nervous system.
Related Terms
- Morphogenesis
- Gene
- Transcription factors
- Hox genes
- ParaHox genes
- Homeobox genes
- Embryonic development
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Homeotic gene
- Wikipedia's article - Homeotic gene
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