BICOID GENE Meaning and
Definition
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The bicoid gene is a term used in genetics to describe a specific gene that plays a crucial role in embryo development in organisms such as fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The term "bicoid" is derived from the observation that mutations or alterations in this gene result in two anterior (head) structures instead of the typical anterior-posterior patterning observed in normal embryos.
The bicoid gene is a transcription factor, which means that it regulates the expression of other genes by binding to specific regions of DNA. It is responsible for establishing the anterior end of the developing embryo, providing key positional information for subsequent development. The bicoid mRNA, produced by the maternal effect gene, is localized at the anterior end of the oocyte and is translated into protein. The bicoid protein is then distributed in a concentration gradient throughout the embryo.
This concentration gradient of bicoid protein serves as a molecular "map" that guides the activation and repression of target genes involved in anterior-posterior patterning. Higher concentrations of bicoid protein at the anterior end of the embryo activate genes that promote head development, while lower concentrations at the posterior end repress these genes. This mechanism ensures that the correct structures are formed in the appropriate locations during embryonic development.
In summary, the bicoid gene is a key regulator in embryonic development, providing essential positional information to establish the anterior-posterior axis in organisms like fruit flies.
Common Misspellings for BICOID GENE
- vicoid gene
- nicoid gene
- hicoid gene
- gicoid gene
- bucoid gene
- bjcoid gene
- bkcoid gene
- bocoid gene
- b9coid gene
- b8coid gene
- bixoid gene
- bivoid gene
- bifoid gene
- bidoid gene
- biciid gene
- bickid gene
- biclid gene
- bicpid gene
- bic0id gene
- bic9id gene
Etymology of BICOID GENE
The word "bicoid gene" has its etymology rooted in the field of genetics and developmental biology. The term "bicoid" was coined by Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard and Eric Wieschaus, two researchers who conducted groundbreaking work on fruit fly (Drosophila) embryonic development in the 1980s, leading to them being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995.
The name "bicoid" was derived from observing a specific phenotype in Drosophila larvae where the anterior (head) end of the embryo lacked a specific gene product. The resulting larvae had two posterior (tail) ends, hence the name "bicoid", which suggests the presence of two tails.
The term "gene" is derived from the Greek word "génein" which means "to give birth to" or "to create".
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