| pseudogene | <molecular biology> Nonfunctional DNA sequences that are very similar to the sequences of known genes. Examples are those found in the beta like globin gene cluster. Some probably result from gene duplications that become nonfunctional because of the loss of promoters, accumulation of stop codons, mutations that prevent correct processing etc. Some pseudogenes contain a poly A tail suggesting that a mRNA, at some point, was copied into DNA that was then integrated into the genome. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| pseudogenes | Genes bearing close resemblance to known genes at different loci, but rendered non-functional by additions or deletions in structure that prevent normal transcription or translation. When lacking introns and containing a poly-a segment near the downstream end (as a result of reverse copying from processed nuclear RNA into double-stranded DNA), they are called processed genes. (12 Dec 1998) |