Final answer:
The anterior/posterior axis of the Drosophila embryo is established by a cluster of genes called Hox genes, which are organized in the genome to map the body plan from anterior to posterior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual responsible for establishing the anterior/posterior axis of the Drosophila embryo is not a single entity but rather a cluster of genes known as Hox genes. These genes are crucial in axis formation and the overall body plan’s establishment during embryonic development. Research into model organisms like Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans has allowed scientists to determine that mutations in these axis formation genes can lead to a loss of the necessary symmetry for proper organism development. The Hox genes in Drosophila are organized linearly in the genome and reflect the anterior to posterior body plan which underscores their importance in axis determination.