A regulatory gene containing a homeobox sequence. ~ See Also: Homeobox.

A gene in which mutations cause cells in one region of the body to act as though they were located in another, giving rise to conversions of one cell, tissue, or body region into another.

A gene that controls the activity of other genes involved in the development of a body plan. Homeotic genes have been found in organisms ranging from plants to humans.

A homeobox- or homeodomain-encoding gene.

one the genes that are involved in embryologic development

Genes which are involved in controlling the development of a region or compartment of an organism producing proteins or factors which regulate gene expression by binding particular DNA sequences.

Homeotic genes can, when modified cause homeotic mutations or bizarre and fundamental developmental reorganizations of the body. An example would be the Antennapedia mutant in Drosophila where legs are found sprouting where antenna would normally be. Inappropriate expression of homeotic genes will, in general, transform parts of the body into structures appropriate to other positions.