Question

Hox genes determine an animal's

Select one:
a. basic body plan.
b. skin color.
c. eye color.
d. size.

Answer 1

Hox genes determine an animal's basic body plan, such as the number of body segments, appendages, and head-tail directionality. A mutation in Hox genes can lead to abnormal body length or height, as seen in the fruit fly.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hox genes are responsible for determining an animal's basic body plan, such as the number of body segments, the number and placement of appendages, and the animal's head-tail directionality. They serve as 'master control genes' that can turn on or off large numbers of other genes during embryonic development. For example, a mutation in Hox genes can result in abnormal body length or height, such as the growth of extra pair of wings or legs in the fruit fly.