Campbell Biology (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321775651
ISBN 13: 978-0-32177-565-8

Chapter 21 - Test Your Understanding - Level 3 - Synthesis/Evaluation - Page 460: 5

Answer

The more important a gene is, such as the ones which set up the body plan during embryonic development, the more highly conserved they usually are. Homeobox-containing genes fall into the category of such critical embryonic genes, so they are more highly conserved than most other genes.

Work Step by Step

For an analogy, look at a parking lot. Motor vehicles vary widely in size and shape, engine type, fuel source, etc., but they all have round wheels because the most important thing about them is the way that they move. This "trait" is highly conserved, like the most critical genes.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.