What role do Hox genes play in animal development?

Hox genes are vital in shaping the body plans of animals and determining the identity of segments during embryonic development. They are a subset of homeotic genes that provide the genetic instructions necessary for the proper positioning and formation of different body parts along the anterior-posterior axis of the organism.

During development, the specific expression patterns of Hox genes guide the formation of structures such as limbs, organs, and segments of the body. For example, in insects, Hox genes influence whether a segment develops into a leg, wing, or antenna, ensuring that each part of the organism develops in the correct location and form. This precise regulation is crucial for the overall morphology of the animal and helps establish the identity of various segments throughout the developmental process.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the role of Hox genes. While regulating metabolism pertains to different gene families and metabolic pathways, stabilizing DNA structure is typically associated with proteins that bind to DNA rather than Hox genes. Likewise, facilitating cell respiration is related to genes involved in energy metabolism rather than the developmental roles of Hox genes. Thus, the primary function of Hox genes is indeed to determine body plans and segment identity during development.