"This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison."
introduction
What is homology?
Homology is a term used to describe structures and genes that share a common ancestor (1). Homologous structures or genes may look similar and have similar functions, but they may also function differently (2). For example, human arms and bats wings are homologous structures because they evolved from a common ancestor, but they are used differently in each organism.
results
Homo sapiens
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Pan Troglodytes
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Heterocephalus glaber
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Mesocricetus auratus
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Sus scrofa
(Pig)
Discussion
The alpha-synuclein protein is highly conserved among homologous organisms. However, this protein is found only in vertebrate animals, reducing the number of diverse homologs. Interestingly, SNCA is found in coelacanth, a very ancient human relative.
References
1. Homology-Encyclopedia Britannica. (September, 2016). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/homology-evolution
2. Homology Terminology: Never Say the Wrong Word Again- BitesizeBio. (2017). Retrieved from https://bitesizebio.com/26762/homology-terminology-never-say-wrong-word/
2. Homology Terminology: Never Say the Wrong Word Again- BitesizeBio. (2017). Retrieved from https://bitesizebio.com/26762/homology-terminology-never-say-wrong-word/