The photo to the right shows a drosophila mutant called ante

The photo to the right shows a drosophila mutant called antennapedia. a. Explain why this mutant is an example of differential gene expression. b. In What genes did this mutation occur?

Solution

A) The functioning of homeotic genes in specific segments depends on Transcription of cell. This transcripts of homeotic genes are most abundant within the segmental locus that is modified by mutations in that particular Gene. Homeotic genes products are DNA binding proteins specific for regulatory motifs in other genes. This it shows development is controlled by differential Gene expression.
Normally, Antennapedia is expressed in second segment of a fly\'s thorax. Here, the gene makes the fly\'s second pair of legs and other segment-specific structures.

If a genetic mutation causes expression of the Antennapedia gene to expand into the fly\'s head. This type of mutation causes legs to grow from the fly\'s head in place of antennae.

B) These mutations occur in homeotic genes