Homeotic Genes vs Homeobox

[BiomajorPreDent]

I think I have a grasp of the homeotic genes..

1. They are also known as Hox Genes in animals right?

2. They activate other genes that encode segment specific body characteristics, and thus cause arms and legs to grow in the right spot. So if you have a mutated homeotic gene, the body parts appear in the wrong places, right?

3. But..can someone please explain to me the difference between that and the "homeobox" ? I still cant get "homeobox" to stick.

Thanks

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[BiomajorPreDent]

oh come on..65 views and nobody knows?

 

[sfrice80]

I believe the homeobox is simply the genes that regulate the rest of the homeotic genes. Typically the homeobox is known as the "switch" that turns the homeotic genes on. They typically will code for a transcription factor that will switch on a cascade of homeotic gene transcription that will transcribe a certain body part, ie. leg, wing, tooth, etc... Hope this helps and Im pretty sure thats correct.