Homeobox genes: their function in Drosophila segmentation and pattern formation

The bithorax complex (BX-C) and the Antennapedia complex (ANT-C) are the primary hoemotic genes that specify body pattern in Drosophila and determine the genetic state of cells. The diversity of body patterns is related to the activities of ANT-C and BX-C, either alone or in combination. Homeobox genes such as the en, hh and dpp genes produce distinct boundaries in the wing to form compartments of cells of different patterns and polarities.