Final answer:
the correct option is c) Homeobox genes.
Rett syndrome and homeotic mutations are caused by mutations in homeobox genes, which are crucial for the regulation of gene expression during early development. These genes encode transcription factors that control other genes, which is integral for normal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rett syndrome and homeotic mutations result from mutations in homeobox genes. Homeobox genes play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression during early development, particularly in embryonic stages. These genes encode for transcription factors containing homeodomains, which bind to and control the activities of other genes. The protein's homeodomain is responsible for binding to the target gene and managing its expression, which is integral for normal organ and organ system development. If these genes are mutated, it can lead to developmental disorders such as Rett syndrome or cause homeotic mutations that result in the transformation of one body part into another.
Mutations in mitochondrial DNA, ribosomal RNA, or telomerase would not directly cause such syndromes or mutations. For instance, mitochondrial DNA is primarily involved in maternally inherited traits, and while mutations here can lead to diseases, they are distinct from the effects of homeobox gene mutations. Mutations in ribosomal RNA could affect protein synthesis, but these don't directly lead to developmental disorders like Rett syndrome. Lastly, telomerase maintains the ends of linear chromosomes and while important, its mutation does not lead to the kinds of developmental errors observed in Rett syndrome or homeotic mutations.
Therefore, the correct option is c) Homeobox genes.