25 - PHYLOGENETIC INFERENCE Flashcards
what are orthologs
homologous genes at the same genetic locus in different species, evolutionary inherited from a common ancestor
what are paralogs
homologous genes at different loci in the same species, having arisen from gene duplication
how do you figure out whether the vitellogenin (egg yolk gene) was gained by the platypus or lost by other mammals?
look at the last common ancestor and see if the gene was there
what can sequence comparison within a gene reveal
can reveal families of related genes
related genes: encode proteins of similar AA sequence
can contain 2 to more than 100 members (paralogs)
can be functionally redundant or have independent functions
example: human keratin associated protein 1 family
involved in structure of human hair fibers
what were some insights from the dog genome project
since humans and dogs share many similar genes and disorders, this information will inform research into human health as well
