PARALOGS Meaning and
Definition
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Paralogs are genetic sequences or genes arising from a duplication event in a genome, resulting in multiple, similar copies of the same gene being present within an organism. These copies are typically found in the same species, although they can also occur between different species.
Paralogs are derived from a common ancestral gene but have diverged over time, acquiring unique mutations and differences in their coding sequences. While they may share similarities in function, paralogs often have distinct roles and can display differences in expression patterns, regulation, or evolutionary rate. This divergence allows for the development of novel functions or adaptations, as well as providing redundancy in genetic pathways.
The presence of paralogs can contribute to evolutionary innovation by facilitating genetic diversity and adaptation. They can undergo further gene duplications, leading to the creation of more paralogs, which can then evolve independently. This process can lead to the emergence of new gene families and the expansion of desirable traits or functional specialization.
Paralogs are typically distinguished from orthologs, which are genes found in different species that share a common ancestral gene. While orthologs generally retain similar functions and maintain their sequence similarity, paralogs tend to acquire unique functions and differences in sequence due to subsequent mutations and adaptations within their own species. Understanding the relationships and functions of paralogs is crucial in deciphering the complexity and diversity of genomes and their contributions to the evolutionary process.
Etymology of PARALOGS
The word "paralogs" is derived from the combination of two terms: "para-" and "log".
The prefix "para-" comes from the Greek word "para", which means "beside" or "similar". It is often used to denote similarity, comparison, or parallelism.
The term "log" is derived from the Greek word "logos", which has multiple meanings including "word", "reason", or "knowledge". In the context of genetics and biology, "log" refers to a gene or a sequence of nucleotides.
Therefore, "paralogs" refers to genes or sequences that have evolved from a common ancestral gene by duplication and subsequent modification. Paralogs have similar functions or structures but often diverge in their specific roles within an organism.
