This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison
Homology
What is protein homology?
When two or more species share a protein, which was derived from a common ancestor, these proteins are considered homologous. By studying these proteins, we have the potential to better understand topics such as species divergence and evolutionary conservation [1]. Additionally, when highly conserved homologs are identified in model organisms, such as mice or fruit flies, they can be used to further study, understand, and potentially treat a variety of human diseases. |
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Conservation of NBN Protein Sequences
Several organisms were found to possess proteins homologous to NBN. The percent identity, or amount of similarity between the homologous proteins and the human NBN protein, is given for each homolog.
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Discussion
NBN was found to be best conserved among mammals, especially primates. Although non-mammal and invertebrate gene homologs could not be found, with the exception of chickens, many protein homologs for these species were. However, conservation beings to rapidly decrease with their introduction. The presence and conservation among these animals, birds, fish and insects, highly conserved or not, suggests an importance of the NBN protein in organismal survival.
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References:
[1] Homologous genes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2015, from http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/1_0_0/eyes_10 |