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Chapter 8: Problem 4

What is a gene family? How are gene families produced over time? With regard to gene function, what is the biological significance of a gene family?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A gene family is a group of related genes that have descended from a common ancestor, which are produced over evolutionary time via gene duplication and divergence. The significance of gene families lies in their contribution to biological diversity, evolutionary adaptation, and as genetic 'safety nets'.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of a Gene Family

A gene family is a group of several related genes that are inferred to have descended from a common ancestor. These gene groups often share similar functionalities and sequences.
02

Creation of Gene Families

Gene families are produced over time primarily through the processes of gene duplication and divergence. In gene duplication, a copy of a gene is created, usually through an error in DNA replication. This allows the original gene and its copy to evolve separately. Over time, the duplicated gene may acquire mutations and diverge from the original gene, creating a new, but still related, gene. Over generations, these processes can lead to the creation of a gene family.
03

Biological importance

The existence of gene families has a significant impact on biological diversity and complexity. If a gene is duplicated, one copy can continue to perform its original function while the other is free to evolve and acquire new functions. This can lead to the development of new traits and help organisms adapt to different environmental conditions. Moreover, having multiple genes with similar functions (redundancy) can provide a sort of 'safety net' in case one gene is damaged or lost.

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