homolog

[ˈhɑːməlɒɡ]

homolog Definition

  • 1a gene or chromosome that has the same or similar function as another gene or chromosome in a different organism
  • 2a structure derived from a common ancestor or prototype

Using homolog: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "homolog" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The human homolog of a yeast gene has been identified.

  • Example

    The wings of birds and bats are homologous structures.

  • Example

    The homologs of the X and Y chromosomes determine sex in mammals.

homolog Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with homolog

  • homologous chromosomes

    chromosomes that pair during meiosis and have the same genes at the same loci but possibly different alleles

    Example

    Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes, but may have different versions of those genes.

  • homologous structures

    structures that have a similar form or function due to being derived from a common ancestor

    Example

    The wings of birds and bats are homologous structures because they share a common ancestor with wings.

  • a computational method used to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein based on its amino acid sequence and the known structure of a related protein

    Example

    Homology modeling can be used to predict the structure of a protein that has not yet been experimentally determined.

Origins of homolog

from Greek 'homologos', meaning 'agreeing'

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Summary: homolog in Brief

A 'homolog' [ˈhɑːməlɒɡ] is a gene, chromosome, or structure that shares a common ancestry or function with another in a different organism. Examples include homologous chromosomes and structures like wings in birds and bats. The term also extends to computational methods like homology modeling, which predicts protein structures based on related proteins.