Contiguous genes

Contiguous Genes

Contiguous genes (/kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/ /dʒiːnz/), from the Latin contiguus meaning "touching or bordering upon", are genes that are located in close proximity to each other on the same chromosome. These genes are often related in function and can be inherited together as a unit due to their physical closeness during meiotic recombination.

Definition

In genetics, contiguous genes refer to a set of two or more genes that are located on the same chromosome and are physically adjacent to each other. This close proximity often results in these genes being inherited together during the process of genetic recombination.

Function

The function of contiguous genes often relates to their physical proximity. In many cases, these genes are part of the same operon or gene cluster, meaning they are transcribed together into a single mRNA molecule. This allows for coordinated regulation of genes that are involved in the same biological process.

Related Terms

Gene: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity.
Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein that carries genetic information.
Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Genetic recombination: The process by which genetic material is physically rearranged in DNA during sexual reproduction.
Operon: A functioning unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter.

Etymology

The term contiguous genes is derived from the Latin word contiguus, which means "touching or bordering upon". This refers to the physical closeness of these genes on a chromosome.