Chapter 9. Drosophila Flash Cards

Drosophila

A genus of small fruit flies widely used in genetic research.

Syncytial

A condition in early embryos where multiple nuclei share a common cytoplasm without being divided by membranes.

Gap genes

Genes that define broad regions of the embryo and when mutated, create gaps in the segmentation pattern.

Homeotic genes

Genes that determine segment identity and specify structures characteristic of segments.

Bicoid

A homeodomain protein that establishes the anterior-posterior axis in Drosophila embryos.

Gastrulation

The process during embryonic development that transforms a single-layered blastula into a multilayered structure.

Nanos

An RNA-binding protein that regulates posterior development in Drosophila by preventing the translation of hunchback mRNA.

Hunchback

A transcription factor involved in anterior development and the expression of various genes during Drosophila development.

Maternal effect genes

Genes whose products (mRNA or proteins) are deposited in the egg by the mother and influence early development.

Morphogen

A substance that governs the pattern of tissue development in the process of morphogenesis.

Maternal effect genes

Genes that set the developmental pattern for the embryo, influencing early formation based on maternal contributions.

Transcription factor

A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and regulates the transcription of genetic information.

Segment polarity genes

Genes that determine the boundaries and anterior-posterior orientation of each segment in the developing embryo.

Anterior-posterior axis

The developmental axis that determines the head and tail ends of an embryo.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Caudal

A homeodomain protein that acts in the posterior development of Drosophila.