Question

Spring 2019Wal 1d. What is the remaining class of developmental tool kit gene not pictured above? does this class of gene play during development? What role (2) Hox genes contain a specific DNA sequence called a homeobox. When translated to protein, the homeobox encodes a protein motif called a homeodomain. The homeodomain is a defining characteristic of Hox proteins. 2a. What is the function of a homeodomain? 2b. Why is the presence of a homeodomain critically important for how Hox genes operate to control the process development? tigating insect Eye

Answer 1

2 a.) Homeo domain is the DNA binding part of the Hox genes. They are evolutionarily conserved sequences. They are also involved in identifying the target genes before binding to the genes.

2.b) Since Hox genes are mainly proteins that act as transcription factors, they bind to other genes to regulate the gene's expression. Homeodomain part ( about 60 aminoacid long) of the Hox protein helps the protein to bind to their target gene so that it can regulate that gene's expression. Thus regulating expression of developmentally involved genes there by proteins Hox genes control the developmental process