When the Bicoid protein is expressed in Drosophila, the embryo is still syncytial divisions between cells are not yet fully developed). This helps to explain which observation by Nüsslein- Volhard and Wieschaus?
A) Bicoid protein diffuses throughout the embryo in a concentration gradient.
B) Bicoid protein serves as a transcription regulator.
C) mRNA from the egg is translated into the Bicoid protein.
D) Bicoid protein determines the dorsoventral axis of the embryo.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Bicoid protein, being expressed while the Drosophila embryo is still in a syncytial state (where cell divisions are not fully developed), allows for its diffusion throughout the embryo to form a concentration gradient. This gradient is crucial for anterior-posterior axis development, as discovered by Nüsslein-Volhard and Wieschaus.

When the Bicoid Protein Is Expressed in Drosophila, the Embryo