Homologous genes

Pronunciation
/hoh-moh-LOH-gus jeenz/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Homologous gene
Plural
Homologous genes

Definition

Genes that share a common ancestral origin and exhibit similarities in their DNA sequence, structure, and function.

Etymology

From Greek 'homo-', meaning 'same', and 'logos', meaning 'study' (though more accurately 'logos' means 'word' or 'reason' in this context).

Example

Homologous genes can be found in different species, such as humans and mice, indicating evolutionary relationships.

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