If a fly embryo has a mutation in one of its _______ genes,this mutation is unlikely to affect its development.
A) gap
B) pair rule
C) maternal effect
D) Hox
E) segment polarity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maternal effect genes are responsible for providing maternal "instructions" to the developing embryo. These instructions are crucial for the proper patterning of the embryo before it starts expressing its own genes. Therefore, mutations in maternal effect genes can have drastic effects on early development. However, mutations in gap, pair rule, Hox, and segment polarity genes can have significant effects on development throughout the fly's life cycle.

If a Fly Embryo Has a Mutation in One of Its