Transcript Hox Genes

Hox Genes
During development cells don’t just grow and
divide they under go differentiation (cells
become specialized in structure and
function).
Hox genes “master control genes”= control
the differentiation of cells and tissue in a
developing embyro.(tell the cells in the
body what to become…..arm, leg,
eyes….these genes control the
development of our head-to-tail anatomy)
Careful control of expression in these genes
is important for normal development in the
embryo
A mutation in the hox gene “master control
gene” can completely change the organs
that develop in specific parts of the body.