Which of the following statements about the bicoid protein is true?

• A. Bicoid protein is responsible for the segmentation of the Drosophila embryo into distinct body segments.
• B. Bicoid protein is involved in the formation of the dorsal-ventral axis in Drosophila embryos.
• C. Bicoid protein is a transcription factor that establishes the anterior-posterior axis in Drosophila embryos.
• D. Bicoid protein is a signaling molecule that diffuses from the posterior to the anterior of the Drosophila embryo.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of bicoid protein in Drosophila development. Bicoid is a maternal effect gene that plays a crucial role in establishing the anterior-posterior axis of the embryo.
2. Recognize that bicoid protein functions as a transcription factor. It binds to DNA and regulates the expression of genes necessary for the development of anterior structures.
3. Note that bicoid protein is not responsible for segmentation or dorsal-ventral axis formation. These processes involve other genes and proteins.
4. Identify the correct statement: Bicoid protein establishes the anterior-posterior axis in Drosophila embryos by acting as a transcription factor.
5. Understand that bicoid protein is not a signaling molecule diffusing from posterior to anterior. Instead, it forms a concentration gradient from anterior to posterior, influencing gene expression based on its concentration.