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(1) Homologous
[ Biology ] |
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From the Greek homos = same, and logos = word, hence a part with
similar morphology but different
function.
Referring to anatomical structures that show a fundamental similarity
within different organisms because originated from a structure or trait
of a common ancestry rather than a
product of a similar environment (compare:
Analogous,
Homoplastic).
Homologous structures in related species have the same
evolutionary
origin although their functions may differ widely. The structures in
their current forms may not necessarily perform the same functions in
each organism, nor perform the functions it did in the common ancestor.
They may even have become completely unused and therefore
vestigial. "the wing of a bat, the flippers of a seal and the arm of a man are
homologous" |
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(2) Homologous
[ Genetics ] |
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a) Of a
chromosome having the
same morphology and linear sequence of gene
loci as another
chromosome. Containing the same linear gene sequences, each derived
from one parent.
b) Of a genes in a
genome sharing a similar
DNA base sequence with
an other genes because they arose by duplication of an
ancestral
gene.. |
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(3) Homologous
[ Chemistry ] |
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Of
organic chemical
compounds
belonging to the same type or series; corresponding in composition
and properties. |
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In molecular biology, often "homologous" is used loosely to mean
similar. |