Where does this come from, and can I check it?

Gene order along the chromosome mirrors the order of the body parts affected. The figure is taken from Nature, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.

Is this really a science fact?

Yes. It sits on the Science shelf, one of 2,600 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.

What else can I read about it?

The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.

Mondo Knows Facts

Hox genes lay out the body plan

Gene order along the chromosome mirrors the order of the body parts affected Hox genes encode transcription factors that tell segments what to become along a head to tail axis. In many animals the genes sit in clusters, and the first gene in a cluster affects the front of the body. A mutation in one Hox gene can turn an antenna into a leg in fruit flies. It sits in Mondo's science collection, one of 200 facts that each trace back to the reference below.

Where this comes from

Nature

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Tags: genetics, development, animals

Hox genes lay out the body plan: the short answers

Where does this come from, and can I check it?: Gene order along the chromosome mirrors the order of the body parts affected. The figure is taken from Nature, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
Is this really a science fact?: Yes. It sits on the Science shelf, one of 2,600 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.
What else can I read about it?: The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.