PARALOG Meaning and
Definition
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A paralog is a term used in genetics and molecular biology to describe a set of genes that have evolved from a common ancestral gene through a process called gene duplication. When a gene is duplicated, the duplicate copy is referred to as a paralog. Paralogs are found within the same genome and can be in the same or different chromosomes.
Paralogs often share a high degree of sequence similarity with each other due to their common ancestry. However, over time, they can acquire distinct functions or expression patterns, which is known as subfunctionalization. This process allows paralogs to take on different roles or specialize in different tasks within an organism.
Paralogs can also undergo functional divergence, where one paralog retains the original function of the ancestral gene, while the other paralog acquires a new function. This can be driven by changes in the gene sequence or regulatory elements that affect the expression or function of the paralogs.
Studying paralogs is important for understanding the evolution of gene families and the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity. By comparing the functions and expression patterns of paralogs, scientists can gain insights into how genes evolve and the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of organisms to their environments.
Common Misspellings for PARALOG
Etymology of PARALOG
The word "paralog" is a combination of two Greek roots: "para" meaning "beside" or "beyond", and "logos" meaning "word" or "reason". The term "paralog" was coined in the field of logic to describe an argument or statement that is logically incorrect or invalid, often resembling a valid argument but with subtle flaws or fallacies. It is commonly used to refer to a false or misleading line of reasoning.
