homeobox gene

American

[hoh-mee-uh-boks] / ˈhoʊ mi əˌbɒks /

noun

any of a group of genes whose function is to divide the early embryo into bands of cells with the potential to become specific organs or tissues.

Etymology

Origin of homeobox gene

First recorded in 1985–90; homeo- + box ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1 induces expression of insulin genes in liver and ameliorates streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia.

From Nature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023