Hox genes are found in the genomes of all animals, and play a fundamental role in shaping the animal's body and appendages. As this diagram shows, Hox genes exhibit a high degree of homology among organisms.
In the diagram, the structures formed in adult Drosophila (top of the diagram) and in an early human embryo (bottom of the diagram) are depicted by colors along the anterior-posterior axis corresponding to the members of the Hox cluster that control their formation. The order of the Hox genes along the body is similar between fruit flies and humans.
Use the diagram to identify the similarities and differences between the Hox genes in vertebrates and Drosophila.
Drag each statement below into the appropriate bin.
The expression of the same set of Hox genes is differentially programmed in time and space to produce different body forms.
The Hox genes control development along the anterior-posterior axis.
The Hox genes are found in a single cluster along the chromosome.
The Hox genes control the formation of appendages along the anterior-posterior axis.
A combination of multiple Hox genes are typically involved in forming specific structures.
Mutations in individual Hox genes produce a complete transformation of a specific structure (e.g., wing or limb).
True for vertebrates only
True for Drosophila only
True for both vertebrates and Drosophila