Animal Developmental Patterns · Zoology

Which specific gene in Drosophila is responsible for establishing the anterior-posterior axis by acting as a morphogen gradient from the anterior pole?

  1. Nanos
  2. Bicoid gene
  3. Hunchback
  4. Antennapedia
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Correct answer: Bicoid gene

Bicoid mRNA is anchored at the anterior pole of the egg by cytoskeletal proteins. After fertilization, the resulting Bicoid protein gradient activates target genes for head and thorax development, making it one of the best-characterized morphogens in developmental biology.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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