homeobox
/ˌhɒmɪə(ʊ)ˈbɒks
/ /ˌhəʊmɪə(ʊ)ˈbɒks/(also homoeobox)
noun 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...
- Black vertical lines indicate the typical homeobox gene family and gray vertical lines the atypical homeobox gene family.
- A homeobox gene involved in setting up the mammalian body plan also appears to control grooming behavior in mice.
- 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.