A homeotic gene
A) determines which end of the egg will become the head and which end will become the tail.
B) serves as a master control gene that functions during embryonic development by controlling the developmental fate of groups of cells.
C) represses gene transcription and promotes mRNA translation.
D) is found only in adult somatic cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homeotic genes, also called "master control genes," are responsible for determining the developmental fate of groups of cells during embryonic development. This includes the development of body structures and the positioning of organs. They do not determine which end of the egg becomes the head or tail and are not limited to adult somatic cells. They also do not repress gene transcription and promote mRNA translation.

A Homeotic Gene