Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 17 - Genomes - 17.3 - Eukaryotic Genomes Contain Many Types of Sequences - 17.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 373: 3

Answer

Gene families are groups of similar genes, though the DNA sequences in a gene family vary from one another. If at least one member of the gene family codes for a functional protein, the other members can mutate in particular ways that alter the function of the proteins they code for. Throughout the process of evolution, a useful mutation be selected for in succeeding generations. If the mutated gene is useless, the functional alternative is still able carry out its function.

Work Step by Step

Gene families are groups of similar genes, though the DNA sequences in a gene family vary one another. If at least one member of the gene family codes for a functional protein, the other members can mutate in particular ways that alter the function of the proteins they code for. Throughout the process of evolution, a useful mutation be selected for in succeeding generations. If the mutated gene is useless, the functional alternative is still able carry out its function.
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