Dominguez et al. (2004) suggest that by studying genes that determine growth and tissue specification in the eye of Drosophila, much can be learned about human eye development.

What evidence suggests that genetic eye determinants in Drosophila are also found in humans? Include a discussion of orthologous genes in your answer.

Verified step by step guidance

1. <span>Begin by explaining the concept of orthologous genes. Orthologous genes are genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene by speciation. They often retain the same function across species.</span>
2. <span>Discuss the significance of Drosophila (fruit fly) as a model organism in genetic studies. Drosophila is widely used due to its genetic similarities to humans, short life cycle, and ease of genetic manipulation.</span>
3. <span>Highlight specific genes involved in eye development that are conserved between Drosophila and humans. For example, the 'eyeless' gene in Drosophila is orthologous to the 'PAX6' gene in humans, both playing crucial roles in eye development.</span>
4. <span>Explain how studies in Drosophila have shown that mutations in these genes can lead to similar developmental issues in both flies and humans, providing evidence of their conserved function.</span>
5. <span>Conclude by emphasizing that the presence of orthologous genes and their conserved functions across species supports the idea that studying Drosophila can provide insights into human eye development.</span>

Key Concepts

Orthologous Genes

Orthologous genes are genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene through speciation. They typically retain the same function across species, making them crucial for comparative studies in genetics. In the context of eye development, identifying orthologous genes between Drosophila and humans can provide insights into conserved genetic pathways that govern similar biological processes.

Gene Function Conservation

Gene function conservation refers to the phenomenon where genes maintain similar roles across different organisms throughout evolution. This concept is significant in genetics as it allows researchers to infer the function of human genes based on studies conducted in model organisms like Drosophila. Evidence of conserved functions in eye development genes suggests that mechanisms governing eye formation may be similar in both species.

Developmental Genetics

Developmental genetics is the field of study that focuses on how genes control the growth and development of organisms. It encompasses the genetic regulation of developmental processes, including organ formation. By examining the genetic determinants of eye development in Drosophila, researchers can uncover fundamental principles that may also apply to human eye development, highlighting the importance of model organisms in understanding complex biological systems.