Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hox

noun

/hɒks/

Definition

Hox refers to a group of genes that play a crucial role in determining the body plan of an organism during its development.

Examples

The Hox genes in fruit flies determine the formation of their body segments.
These genes are highly conserved across different species, indicating their essential role in development.
Research on Hox genes has provided insights into evolutionary biology.

Meaning

Hox genes are responsible for the segmentation and arrangement of the body structure in animals, helping to establish the identity of different body segments.