In: Biology
What are the HOX genes? How are they important to development in animals?
HOX genes are a type of homoetic genes ( regulator genes which direct the development of body segments or structures) ,which are only present in animals regulate body structures and body plan.
In animals homoetic gene encode transcription factor proteins that are seen in homoedomain called HOX genes and are essential during embryonic development.
Hox proteins specify the position (in flies,which appendage form from a segment) and shape( in vertebrates).
Hox genes are normaly found in fruit flies, mice and humans. In humans and mice these genes are important in the development of reproductive tract and adult function. In flies these genes are expressed the regions they regulate and starting early in embryonic development.
Mutation of these genes can cause genetic disorders.
In developing animals chromosome organization of HOX genes is same as the order of expression along the head-tail axis.