Body plans

Question 1

What are homeobox genes?

Answer 1

A group of regulatory genes that control body development

Question 2

What do homeobox genes code for?

Answer 2

The homeodomain, a highly conserved part of a protein that is 60 amino acids long

Question 3

What does highly conserved mean?

Answer 3

It is very similar in plants, animals and fungi

Question 4

What does the homeodomain do?

Answer 4

Binds to DNA and switches genes on or off

Question 5

What are transcription factors?

Answer 5

Proteins that bind to DNA and switches genes on or off (e.g. the homeodomain)

Question 6

Why are fruit flies good subjects for studying genetics?

Answer 6

• Small, easy to keep and cheap
• Short life cycle so easy to observe genetic change
• Few ethical considerations