Olfactory receptor evolution provides an example of
A) gene duplication; the 855 genes for olfactory receptors belong to the same "gene family."
B) gene recruitment; once duplicated, the genes for olfactory receptors likely diverged, taking on new functions.
C) promiscuous proteins; the genes duplicated after new functions arose.
D) a and b
E) a, b, and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Olfactory receptor evolution is an example of gene duplication, where the large number of olfactory receptor genes (855) indicates they belong to the same gene family, showing how genes can duplicate and then diverge over time. This divergence, or gene recruitment, allows the duplicated genes to take on new functions, further contributing to the complexity and specificity of the olfactory system. The concept of promiscuous proteins, where genes duplicate after new functions arise, is not directly related to the primary mechanisms driving the evolution of olfactory receptors.

Olfactory Receptor Evolution Provides an Example of