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Biology / Unit 13   Bio 3373 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Hox Genes and Body-Plan Specification

Captions available

The idea

Hox genes are a conserved gene family, expressed in chromosomal order, that specify which structures form at each anterior-posterior position, using the transcription-factor regulation Bio 1329 introduces.

In practice

A mutated Hox gene in fruit flies can cause legs to grow where antennae normally form.

Where people slip

Hox genes specify which structure forms at a position — they do not build that structure's cells themselves.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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