Thursday, November 20, 2014

Hox Genes and Biodiversity

Hox genes play a key role in the development of an organism; they control where everything goes (i.e. arms, legs, head, etc). A genetic program has been developed to aid in modification of animals. The genetic program may also be used in other parts of vertebrates. As for evolution, the Hox genes have proven that their use was necessary in their ancestors. More specifically, Hox genes in paddlefish aid in the placement of sensory organs around the mouth of the fish. A group of Hox genes that aid in the development of limbs are called HoxD genes. Furthermore, a professor at San Francisco State located another site of regulation called HoxA genes that aid in producing the "vent" of the fish (the opening to the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems). Vents are present in all ray-finned fish, and therefore their ancestors must have had it as well. Since the Hox genes are so common in the fish, they must be rather old. The Hox genes may be produced by a broader variety of species than was previously thought, since they are so prominent in these fish.


                                    paddlefish
To reiterate, Hox genes are responsible for the morphological diversity of species and individuals within a species. By controlling the size, placement, and orientation of body parts, the genes guarantee proper development. However, not all Hox genes in an organism are active throughout life. Certain things trigger the turning "on" or "off" on specific Hox genes, such as environmental factors. The group of Hox genes that are used for limb placement has been a topic of interest for quite some time by many evolutionary biologists. The evolution of fins to limbs, as well as the development of the thumb, are key features that indicate an alteration in Hox genes over time. Since the finding that Hox genes were present in organisms close to 500 million years ago, there must be a myriad of features that utilize Hox genes that haven't been discovered yet.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141119084949.htm
Supporting Article: http://creation.com/hox-homeobox-genesevolutions-saviour

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