PSEUDOGENES Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudogenes are non-functional or inactive copies of genes that have lost their ability to produce functional proteins. These genes typically resemble regular genes in terms of their DNA sequence, but due to the accumulation of mutations and other genetic alterations over time, they no longer serve any purpose in the cell.
Pseudogenes can arise through a variety of mechanisms. One common way pseudogenes are formed is through the process of gene duplication, where an extra copy of a gene is created. Over time, mutations can accumulate in this extra copy, rendering it non-functional. Pseudogenes can also be formed when a regular gene is interrupted by genetic rearrangements such as insertions or deletions, resulting in a non-functional fragment.
Pseudogenes, despite being inactive, can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of organisms. Comparing the sequences of pseudogenes between different species allows scientists to understand the evolutionary relationships and divergence between those species. Additionally, some pseudogenes may still retain regulatory elements that can impact the expression of other genes.
Although pseudogenes do not code for functional proteins, they are still transcribed into RNA molecules. However, the resulting RNA sequences are typically not translated into proteins. Pseudogenes are often used as markers in genomic studies to annotate functional genes and identify regions with potential evolutionary significance.
Etymology of PSEUDOGENES
The word "pseudogenes" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pseudo" meaning false or untrue, and "genes" meaning genes. The term was coined in the 1960s by evolutionary biologist Jacques Ninio to describe a class of genetic sequences that resemble functional genes but have lost their ability to produce a functional protein product. Pseudogenes are often considered as "non-functional" or "broken" genes, hence the incorporation of "pseudo" in their name.
Similar spelling words for PSEUDOGENES
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