GAP GENE Meaning and
Definition
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A gap gene is a type of gene that plays a fundamental role in the early development of organisms. Specifically, it is involved in regulating the spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression in the embryo, particularly during the segmentation process in higher organisms.
During early embryonic development, the fertilized egg undergoes a series of cell divisions that eventually form different body segments. Gap genes are responsible for establishing the initial spatial information in the embryo by regulating the expression of other genes. They determine where different segments and structures, such as head and abdomen, will form.
Gap genes are typically activated or repressed in response to specific concentration gradients of signaling molecules, known as morphogens, that emanate from maternal sources or other early-acting genes. These signaling molecules establish spatial cues that are interpreted by the gap genes, leading to the activation or repression of specific downstream target genes. Through this process, gap genes establish a pattern of gene expression that corresponds to the spatial organization of the embryo along its anterior-posterior axis.
The expression of gap genes occurs sequentially in specific domains along the embryo, and their interactions with each other and with other regulatory genes contribute to the establishment of precise developmental patterns. Mutations or disruptions in gap genes can lead to severe abnormalities in embryonic development, affecting the proper formation of body segments and structures.
Common Misspellings for GAP GENE
- fap gene
- vap gene
- bap gene
- hap gene
- yap gene
- tap gene
- gzp gene
- gsp gene
- gwp gene
- gqp gene
- gao gene
- gal gene
- ga0 gene
- gap fene
- gap vene
- gap bene
- gap hene
- gap yene
- gap tene
- gap gwne
Etymology of GAP GENE
The term "gap gene" has its roots in developmental biology and genetics. It specifically refers to a class of genes that are involved in controlling the segmentation of the body in the early developmental stages of certain organisms, particularly insects like fruit flies (Drosophila).
The word "gap" in "gap gene" refers to the function of these genes in defining and regulating the positioning of the "gaps" or spaces between different body segments during embryonic development. The term was coined because mutations in these genes could lead to the absence of specific body segments, resulting in "gaps" in the overall segmentation pattern.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "gap gene" is derived from the biological function of these genes in creating or defining the gaps between body segments during development.
