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Developmental Patterning Genes definitions

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  • Anterior
    Region designating the front or head end of an organism, established early in development by gene concentration gradients.
  • Posterior
    Region marking the back end of an organism, determined by specific maternal gene concentrations during early embryogenesis.
  • Dorsal
    Surface representing the top side of an organism, crucial for spatial orientation during embryonic patterning.
  • Ventral
    Surface indicating the bottom side of an organism, defined during initial developmental stages.
  • Maternal Effect Genes
    Genes from the mother’s egg that set up initial body axes and trigger the first steps of embryonic development.
  • Bicoid
    Maternal gene product concentrated at the future head region, essential for anterior structure formation.
  • Nanos
    Maternal gene product concentrated at the future tail region, vital for posterior structure specification.
  • Zygotic Genes
    Genes of the developing embryo that take over after maternal genes, guiding later developmental processes.
  • Gap Genes
    First zygotic genes dividing the embryo into broad segments, setting the stage for finer patterning.
  • Pair-Rule Genes
    Genes that further subdivide broad segments into pairs, refining the embryonic body plan.
  • Segment Polarity Genes
    Genes that define anterior and posterior within each segment, ensuring correct segment orientation.
  • Hox Genes
    Highly conserved genes containing a homeobox, acting as transcription factors to specify segment identity.
  • Homeobox
    A 180 base pair DNA sequence found in certain genes, encoding a protein domain that binds DNA.
  • Antennapedia Complex
    Cluster of Hox genes in fruit flies controlling head and thorax development.
  • Bithorax Complex
    Cluster of Hox genes in fruit flies responsible for specifying posterior thorax and abdominal segments.
  • Arabidopsis
    Model plant organism used to study floral development and the function of plant Hox gene classes.
  • Sepal
    Leaf-like floral structure formed by Class A genes, protecting the developing flower bud.
  • Petal
    Floral organ formed by the combined action of Class A and B genes, often colorful and attractive.
  • Stamen
    Male reproductive floral part, specified by Class B and C genes, producing pollen.
  • Carpel
    Female reproductive floral structure, formed by Class C gene expression, enclosing ovules.