Abstract
The process of segmentation in the embryos of insects, specifically Drosophila melanogaster, can be considered a model system for analyzing the genetic regulation of development. Segmentation of the embryo results in the basic metameric organization seen in all arthropods. Mutations have been recovered and characterized which affect the polarity of the entire embryo in both the anterior-posterior and dorsalventral axes. Other mutations reveal genes which are important in the specification of the number and polarity of body segments. Finally, there are a number of loci (homoeotic genes) which are required for each segment to achieve the proper identity. Such genes have been identified by mutations that cause or allow one segment or set of segmental derivatives to be transformed into the likeness of another homologous segment. The basic polarity of the embryo is apparently specified in the egg by the maternal genome during oogenesis. During early development this basic plan is elaborated on by the zygotic genome. This elaboration can be envisioned to occur as two genetically controlled, integrated series of events. The embryo is progressively divided into a series of developmental fields that correspond to specific subregions of the embryo. At some time, the fields correspond to regions the width of two adjacent metameres. These fields define the domains of activation of various homoeotic genes which specify segment identity. The identity of a particular segment and its derivatives is dependent on the expression of batteries of genetic information. These batteries are activated or repressed by the products of the homoeotic loci and represent the specific repertoire of active “structural” genes in each segment. The homoeotic and segment patterning loci can be viewed as a set of switches which are necessary for the proper reading and interpretation of positional information in the early embryo. This interpretive function is in turn necessary for the proper patterned response of cells during the ontogenic process.
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© 1982 Springer-Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York
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Kaufman, T.C., Wakimoto, B.T. (1982). Genes That Control High Level Developmental Switches. In: Bonner, J.T. (eds) Evolution and Development. Dahlem Workshop Reports, vol 22. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45532-2_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45532-2_9
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