Hox, Parahox, Ehgbox, and NK Genes in Bivalve Molluscs: Evolutionary Implications

Molluscs belong to one of the two protostome superphyla, the Lophotrochozoa. Among molluscs, bivalves show a characteristic shell morphology separated bilaterally into two plates. The connection between the modification of the development and evolution of the molluscan body plan can be study identifying and obtaining information on the genes that regulate the development of bivalves. Homeobox genes are involved in body plan formation and in the...