Molecular Development and The Arthropod Head Problem
The study of how developmental genes are expressed during embryogenesis has become an important new tool in the last twenty years for understanding the structure and evolution of morphology. The arthropod head problem has been tackled in three main ways in this regard, first by using genetic segmental markers to probe the obscure region in front of the mouth, especially in insects; second by looking at Hox gene expression patterns to detect patterns of homology between different arthropods; and third, by studying gene expression in particular features (especially the labrum) to determine its appendiculate or other status. Because all arthropods have the same complement of nine Hox loci, the morphological diversification observed is caused by these genes being expressed at different areas and times.
Read more about this topic: Arthropod Head Problem
Famous quotes containing the words development, head and/or problem:
“Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known.”
—Loris Malaguzzi (20th century)
“Your head so much concerned with outer,
Mine with inner, weather.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
—Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)