Figure 2

Relative temporal expression profiles of ParaHox genes during Patiria miniata development. The graph shows the relative transcript abundance normalized against ubiquitin mRNA levels during sea star development. mRNA levels were measured by QPCR from cDNA templates prepared from whole embryos at the indicated developmental times. The results are expressed as percentage of the maximum value corresponding to PmCdx level of expression at 24 hpf. Due to the low levels of PmGsx transcript abundance, a separate graph has been created for PmGsx alone (see inset) expressing the results as percentage of PmGsx maximum level of expression (24 hpf). PmLox and PmGsx curves have been obtained repeating the experiments with two independent sets of primers. For the detailed experimental procedure see the relative section in Methods. Hpf, hours post fertilization.