It is 1985 and you want to determine if a new species has ho

It is 1985, and you want to determine if a new species has homeotic genes in its genome.   Outline (number each broad step on a different line) the basic approach you would take to answer this question about whether or not the new species has any genes that might be homeotic genes in its genome. What is a good idea to do before you invest in trying to clone a gene?  Take into consideration of the genetic tools you would have available in 1985

Solution

Homeotic genes are the group of genes that regulate the formation of particular anatomical segement of body in insects, mammals or plants. In 1985, homeotic genes were identified with basic approach in following steps:

1. Mutate/delete that particular gene or set of genes, which are expected to play role in segement formation.

2. Observe the anatomical features during development or organism (deletion, malformation,defective, more then normal sets etc).

3.Clone cDNA/transcript of that particular gene or genes and insert/inject it in other embryo (with deleted /mutated gene), it might rescue the alteration in development, resuling into a normal embryo.

Before investing in trying to clone gene we must see the effect of its dominant and recessive alleles. Also, we must check the different types of mutations like, insertion, deletion, knockout, knock down, etc to confirm the effect of that gene in anatomical development of segements