What are Hox genes?
Q: What are Hox genes?
A: Hox genes are a group of related genes that determine the basic structure and orientation of animals and plants.
Q: What does 'Hox' stand for?
A: 'Hox' stands for 'homeobox'.
Q: What is the role of Hox genes in animal development?
A: Hox genes are critical for the proper placement of segment structures of animals during early embryonic development (e.g. legs, antennae, and wings in fruit flies or the different vertebrate ribs in humans).
Q: How do Hox genes work?
A: Hox genes are a complex of genes whose proteins bind to the regulatory regions of target genes. The target genes then activate or repress cell processes to direct the final development of the organism.
Q: Are Hox genes only important for animals?
A: No, Hox genes are important for both animals and plants.
Q: Can mutations in Hox genes lead to developmental abnormalities in animals?
A: Yes, mutations in Hox genes can lead to developmental abnormalities in animals.
Q: What is the main function of Hox genes in the final development of an organism?
A: The main function of Hox genes is to activate or repress cell processes to direct the final development of the organism.
