This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is Homology?
Homology refers to the study of characteristics shared by different species because of a common ancestor[1]. Shared characteristics can be anatomical, developmental, and molecular, and their study depends on the comparison of these attributes present in different species regardless of their form or function.
Homology between organisms can be analyzed by aligning genetic and protein sequences to check for similarities. Finding genetic and protein homology between humans and other organisms help analyze the function of these conserved sequences in humans [2]. Species in which homology with humans is found can be referred to as model organisms. Model organisms serve to study the development of disease or mutations that can occur in people and lead to treatment and prevention interventions.
Protein homology occurs when there is shared ancestry between proteins in different species. As the percent identity between proteins increases, sequences are more similar and homology can be inferred.
Homology between organisms can be analyzed by aligning genetic and protein sequences to check for similarities. Finding genetic and protein homology between humans and other organisms help analyze the function of these conserved sequences in humans [2]. Species in which homology with humans is found can be referred to as model organisms. Model organisms serve to study the development of disease or mutations that can occur in people and lead to treatment and prevention interventions.
Protein homology occurs when there is shared ancestry between proteins in different species. As the percent identity between proteins increases, sequences are more similar and homology can be inferred.
What organisms have a CRY1 protein homolog?
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Conclusion
Protein homology of CRY1 is highly conserved across species. High percent identity allows us to choose from a multitude of organisms to study the protein and gene and correlate findings to human mechanisms and diseased states. While highest conservation occurs with mammals, other organisms like zebrafish demonstrate great similarities in function and localization of the protein allowing for efficient study of CRY1.
References.
1. Understanding Evolution - Homologies. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/lines_04
2. Koonin, E. V. (2005). Orthologs, Paralogs, and Evolutionary Genomics. Annual Review of Genetics,39(1), 309-338. doi:10.1146/annurev.genet.39.073003.114725
1. Understanding Evolution - Homologies. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/lines_04
2. Koonin, E. V. (2005). Orthologs, Paralogs, and Evolutionary Genomics. Annual Review of Genetics,39(1), 309-338. doi:10.1146/annurev.genet.39.073003.114725
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Sara Acosta Villarreal Genetics and Genomics, UW-Madison [email protected] Last updated: May 10, 2019 |
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