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Definition

noun, plural: segmentation genes

(1) Any of the genes involved in the early stages of pattern formation in the embryo.

(2) A zygotic gene responsible for the formation of body segments.

Supplement

The segmentation genes are classified into three groups: gap genes, pair-rule genes, and segment polarity genes. In Drosophila, the segmentation genes code for products responsible in forming stripes or segments in the fruit fly embryo.

See also: zygotic gene.