clavicle
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
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hi usmleites - what is haemobox. please let me know. help appreciated
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| clavicle
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 31
|
A homeobox is about 129 base pairs long; it encodes a protein domain (the homeodomain) which can bind DNA.
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors which typically switch on cascades of other genes. The homeodomain binds DNA in a specific manner.
However, the specificity of a single homeodomain protein is usually not enough to recognize only its desired target genes. Most of the time, homeodomain proteins act in the promoter region of their target genes as complexes with other transcription factors, often also homeodomain proteins. Such complexes have a much higher target specificity than a single homeodomain protein.
A particular subgroup of homeobox genes are the Hox genes, which are found in a special gene cluster, the Hox cluster (also called Hox complex).
Hox genes function in patterning the body axis. Thus, by providing the identity of particular body regions, Hox genes determine where limbs and other body segments will grow in a developing fetus or larva.
Mutations in any one of these genes can lead to the growth of extra, typically non-functional body parts.
PS- courtesy wikie
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