Definition of homeobox in English:
homeobox
(also homoeobox)
noun ˌhɒmɪə(ʊ)ˈbɒksˌhəʊmɪə(ʊ)ˈbɒksˈhōmēōˌbäks
Genetics Any of a class of closely similar sequences which occur in various genes and are involved in regulating embryonic development in a wide range of species.
as modifier homeobox gene
Example sentencesExamples
- A homeobox gene involved in setting up the mammalian body plan also appears to control grooming behavior in mice.
- He and his group have discovered the homeobox, a DNA segment characteristic for homeotic genes which is not only present in arthropods and their ancestors, but also in vertebrates up to man.
- Black vertical lines indicate the typical homeobox gene family and gray vertical lines the atypical homeobox gene family.
- Comparisons of the roles of homeobox genes in metazoan development are playing a pivotal role in the current resynthesis of developmental and evolutionary biology.
- Because of their fundamental importance in development, homeobox genes are of substantial interest to evolutionary biologists as they may provide key information on the evolution of development.
Origin
1980s: from homeotic (see homeosis) + the noun box1; first discovered in homeotic genes of Drosophila fruit flies.