Ortologous

Ortologous refers to a specific type of genetic relationship between genes or gene sequences. It describes genes found in different species that are descended from a common ancestral gene. These genes have typically undergone speciation events, meaning they arose from the duplication of a gene in a common ancestor followed by the divergence of the resulting species. While ortologous genes share a common evolutionary origin and often retain similar functions, they can accumulate differences over time due to mutations and natural selection, leading to functional diversification or conservation. The identification and study of ortologous genes are crucial in comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, and understanding gene function across different organisms. By comparing ortologous genes, researchers can infer evolutionary relationships between species, identify conserved functional elements, and gain insights into the genetic basis of traits and diseases. For example, comparing the ortologous gene for hemoglobin in humans and mice can help scientists understand the evolutionary pressures that have shaped this essential protein and its function.