Question

Two or more homologous genes found within a particular species are called a. homozygous. b. orthologs. c. paralogs. d. alleles. e. duplicates

Short answer

The correct answer is c. paralogs.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Key Terms

First, clarify the meanings of these terms:\n1. Homozygous: A situation where an individual has two identical forms of a particular gene, one each inherited from each parent.\n2. Orthologs: Genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene by speciation.\n3. Paralogs: Genes related by duplication within a genome.\n4. Alleles: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.\n5. Duplicates: This term could refer to duplicate genes, which would be the same as paralogous genes.

Apply Definitions to the Problem

Now let's apply these definitions to the problem. Homologous genes refer to genes that are similar due to shared ancestry. The question is asking for what we call homologous genes found within one species. From the definitions in Step 1, one can see that the term for these would be paralogs, which refers specifically to genes related by duplication within one genome (so, within one species). The other terms do not properly fit the criteria.

Confirm the Answer

As 'paralogs' are the genes related by duplication within a genome, it fits the definition of the problem. So, the answer is paralogs.

Key concepts

Homologous Genes

Homologous genes are genes that share a common ancestor. This means they have a similar structure or function due to evolutionary relatedness. When organisms are distant relatives, their homologous genes may differ significantly, but they retain certain characteristic similarities.

Homologous genes help scientists understand the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. They can deduce how species have evolved over time by comparing these genes' sequences.

• Homologous genes exist because organisms descend from common ancestors.
• These genes can be found across different species or within the same species.
• They are vital for studying evolutionary biology and genetics.

Understanding homologous genes helps in identifying genetic functions and evolutionary paths, offering a glimpse into the biology of organisms.

Gene Duplication

Gene duplication is a fascinating process where an organism’s DNA sequence allows for an extra copy of a gene. This process is significant as it can lead to genetic diversity. When a gene duplicates, new genetic material is available to evolve new functions without losing the old functions.

This is crucial because the extra genes (paralogs) can accumulate mutations over time and might develop entirely new functions. It is one of the primary mechanisms through which new genetic material is introduced in organisms.

• Gene duplication can lead to paralogs.
• It allows for evolutionary innovation by enabling genes to acquire new functions.
• This can occur within a single organism's genome.

This process has been integral in the complexity we see in genomes of various species today.

Genome

The genome represents the entirety of an organism's hereditary information. It includes all of the DNA sequences in a cell, encompassing all of the coding (genes) and non-coding information. In essence, the genome is like the biological blueprint of an organism that covers everything from physical structure to functioning.

Understanding the genome allows scientists to delve into the understanding of how genes interact, function, and how they contribute to the biology of an organism.

• Each organism has a unique genome arrangement.
• It is composed of both genes and non-genetic material.
• The study of the genome can provide insights into species' evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms.

The comprehensive study of genomes is fundamental in the fields of genetics, evolution, and medical research.

Orthologs

Orthologs are genes in different species that originated from a common ancestral gene through the process of speciation. As species become distinct, their shared common ancestor's genes diverge, creating orthologs. Despite being in different species, orthologs often retain the same function due to their shared history.

Studying orthologs helps in understanding species' evolutionary paths and the conservation of gene functions across species. They also aid in the transferability of research findings across different organisms.

• Orthologs provide insights into evolutionary changes after speciation.
• They often perform similar functions in different species.
• They are a focus when studying the evolutionary and functional relationships of the genes.

Recognizing orthologs allows for deeper insights into biology and improves the understanding of functionally conserved genes across species.

Species

A species is a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can breed to produce fertile offspring. In biological classification, species is the most fundamental unit. Understanding species concept is critical in biology because it helps scientists organize biological diversity

The differences and similarities among species can be attributed to their evolutionary history.

• Species is defined based on the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.
• It provides the basis for understanding biodiversity.
• Studying species helps in ecological research, conservation, and understanding the evolution of life.

Analyzing species interrelations helps scientists preserve biodiversity and study ecological interactions, essential for life on Earth.