Gene cluster

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Gene clusters are groups of two or more genes that belong to the same gene family , in most cases are in close proximity in the genome and are only separated from one another by different amounts of non-coding DNA .

Examples are the Hox genes , the gamma protocadherin gene cluster , the HLA gene complex for the human leukocyte antigen and the genes for the immunoglobulin .

Definition of terms

If functionally related genes are on the same chromosome , one speaks of gene clusters. Functionally related genes are often located on different chromosomes, which are then referred to as multi-gene families . The term gene cluster is fachsprachlich often as the term gene complex (Engl. Gene complex ) used.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. DJ Futuyama: Evolution , Munich 2007, p. 549.
  2. Milislav Demerec : Complex Loci in Microorganisms . In: Annual Review of Microbiology . tape 13 , no. 1 , 1959, p. 377-406 , doi : 10.1146 / annurev.mi.13.100159.002113 .
  3. Passarge: Pocket Atlas of Genetics. Thieme Vlg. Stuttgart 1997, p. 383.