The Search for Common Origin: Homology Revisited

Systematic Biology
Helga OchoterenaRegine Claßen-Bockhoff

Abstract

Understanding the evolution of biodiversity on Earth is a central aim in biology. Currently, various disciplines of science contribute to unravel evolution at all levels of life, from individual organisms to species and higher ranks, using different approaches and specific terminologies. The search for common origin, traditionally called homology, is a connecting paradigm of all studies related to evolution. However, it is not always sufficiently taken into account that defining homology depends on the hierarchical level studied (organism, population, and species), which can cause confusion. Therefore, we propose a framework to define homologies making use of existing terms, which refer to homology in different fields, but restricting them to an unambiguous meaning and a particular hierarchical level. We propose to use the overarching term "homology" only when "morphological homology," "vertical gene transfer," and "phylogenetic homology" are confirmed. Consequently, neither phylogenetic nor morphological homology is equal to homology. This article is intended for readers with different research backgrounds. We challenge their traditional approaches, inviting them to consider the proposed framework and offering them a new persp...Continue Reading

References

Jun 1, 1970·Systematic Zoology·W M Fitch
Mar 1, 1994·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Pharmacology, Toxicology and Endocrinology·O M ZherelovaL M Chaylakhyan
Feb 13, 2001·Current Opinion in Plant Biology·G Theissen
May 9, 2001·Evolution & Development·J R True, E S Haag
Sep 26, 2003·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Ingo Brigandt
Oct 19, 2006·Theory in Biosciences = Theorie in Den Biowissenschaften·Rolf Rutishauser, Philip Moline
Feb 13, 2009·Nature·Neil ShubinSean Carroll
Jan 20, 2010·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Giuseppe Fusco, Alessandro Minelli
Feb 18, 2010·Heredity·D Charlesworth
Apr 16, 2010·BioEssays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology·Robert W Scotland
Mar 25, 2017·BMC Evolutionary Biology·Anita Dirks-MulderBarbara Gravendeel

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Oct 10, 2019·Systematic Biology·Paula M MabeeTodd J Vision
May 20, 2020·Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·Regine Claßen-Bockhoff, Hebert Frankenhäuser
Jun 23, 2021·American Journal of Botany·Dmitry D Sokoloff, Margarita V Remizowa

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Tennessee Medicine : Journal of the Tennessee Medical Association
T A Turner
Tennessee Medicine : Journal of the Tennessee Medical Association
J K Avery
Australian Family Physician
A Beattie
Explore : the Journal of Science and Healing
John Briggs
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved