Question

All of the following statements concerning homeotic genes is correct except Group of answer choices They are responsible for determining the general body plan. They act as master control genes. They code for DNA-binding proteins. They are highly variable across species the animal kingdom.

Answer 1

They are responsible for determining the general body plan.

They act as master control genes.

They code for DNA-binding proteins.

Explanation:

The homeotic genes are master regulators in development found both in animals and plants. In animals, Homeobox (HOX) genes encode for transcription factors containing a DNA binding domain of 60 amino acids which is evolutionarily conserved in species ranging from Drosophila to humans. In plants, MADS-box homeotic genes encode for proteins containing a conserved DNA-binding domain (in this case, referred to as MADS-box of 60 amino acids), which is capable of controlling developmental pathways in a similar mode to Hox genes in animals. Moreover, it is important to note that MADS-box genes are conserved not only in plants but also in other phyla including animals, fungi and protists.