HOX gene

The topic HOX gene is discussed in the following articles:


  • TITLE: evolution (scientific theory)
    SECTION: Evolution and development
    All animals have Hox genes, which may be as few as 1, as in sponges, or as many as 38, as in humans and other mammals. Hox genes are clustered in the genome. Invertebrates have only one cluster with a variable number of genes, typically fewer than 13. The common ancestor of the chordates (which include the vertebrates) probably had only one cluster of...

homeotic genes

  • TITLE: homeotic gene (biology)
    ...to those of Drosophila were later found in a wide range of organisms, including fungi, plants, and vertebrates. In vertebrates, these genes are commonly referred to as HOX genes. Humans possess some 39 HOX genes, which are divided into four different clusters, A, B, C, and D, which are located on different chromosomes.