What is the difference between homeotic and homeobox genes?
Homeotic genes specify the anterior-posterior axis and segment identity during early development of metazoan organisms. They are critical for the proper placement and number of embryonic segment structures (such as legs, antennae and eyes). Homeotic genes are defined by a DNA sequence known as the homeobox, which is a sequence of 180 nucleotides that codes for a protein domain known as the homeodomain. A homeobox is a DNA sequence found within genes that are involved in the regulation of patterns of development (morphogenesis) in animals, fungi and plants. Genes that have a homeobox are called homeobox genes and form the homeobox gene family.