The human genome contains a family of genes that code for different forms of myosin. How could this gene family have arisen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a gene family coding for different forms of myosin suggests that the original myosin gene was duplicated, and the resulting copies diverged through mutations and natural selection, leading to the evolution of different forms with distinct functions. This process is known as gene duplication and divergence, and it is a common mechanism for the evolution of new genes and gene families. Option B is not likely, as it would require two unrelated genes to evolve convergently into myosin, which is less probable than duplication and divergence. Option C is possible, but it would not explain the diversity of myosin forms unless the duplicated gene underwent subsequent mutations and selection. Option D is unlikely, as horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to eukaryotes is rare and requires specific mechanisms.

The Human Genome Contains a Family of Genes That Code