Mutations in the Pax6 gene cause developmental defects in the eyes of flies, mice, and humans. This suggests that:
A)the eyes of flies, mice, and humans evolved by convergent evolution.
B)Pax6 may be a master regulator of eye development.
C)Pax6 has been evolutionarily conserved.
D)Pax6 may be a master regulator of eye development that has been evolutionarily conserved.
E)Pax6 may be a master regulator of eye development that has evolved independently in the lineages leading to flies, mice, and humans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that mutations in the Pax6 gene cause eye developmental defects in flies, mice, and humans suggests that Pax6 is a critical gene in the development of eyes across different lineages. This implies that Pax6 may be a master regulator of eye development that is evolutionarily conserved in different species. Therefore, the best choice is D, which combines both possibilities.

Mutations in the Pax6 Gene Cause Developmental Defects in the Eyes