hox genes

Hox genes are a group of genes that play a key role in determining the body plan of an organism during development. They act like genetic blueprints, guiding where different body parts, such as heads, tails, arms, and legs, form along the length of the body. Hox genes are arranged in a specific order on the chromosome that matches the physical layout of the body regions they control, a phenomenon called collinearity. Their precise regulation ensures that organs and structures develop in the correct place, shaping the overall body structure of animals, from insects to humans.