Gene clusters are groups of related genes that code for the same function. Duplicates of genes can lead to divergence and the creation of distinct gene clusters. Studying gene clusters can provide insight into an organism’s evolutionary history and relationships between species. Statistical analysis is used to identify gene clusters, but caution must be taken to avoid false correlations.
A gene cluster is a group of closely related genes that all code for the same function or variations on the same function. The study of gene clusters is important for understanding evolution and the various divergences within the same species, such as different races and ethnicities in humans. Researchers can use statistical analysis to identify such clusters and determine their genetic significance.
Clustering begins with a process known as duplication, in which an organism accidentally inherits two copies of the same gene due to an error during DNA replication. Duplicate genes may become extinct or passed on to descendants. Over time, they begin to spread through the population, until many organisms have duplication. The genes code for identical proteins and essentially duplicate their intended function.
With each step of the duplicated genes, the risk increases that the duplicates will start to diverge. Over time, the duplicates become two closely related genes. No longer identical, they code for different proteins that may perform slightly different functions. This can be seen with globins in humans, a closely related, but still distinct group of genes. The more generations that pass, the greater the divergence in gene clusters.
Tracing gene clusters can allow a researcher to learn more about an organism’s evolutionary history. The researcher can use this information to determine the age of the duplication and how many generations have passed since then. The researchers note that this grouping activity appears to be more common with some types of organisms than others. Insects, for example, have few sets of genes, while animals can have many.
When the same set of genes occurs in two organisms, it can demonstrate how closely related they are. Divergence can illustrate when two species split or could allow researchers to trace migration patterns. People of Jewish descent, for example, have some distinct variations in common genetic groups that set them apart from people of other ethnic backgrounds. When a group of genes jumps, as sometimes happens through horizontal gene transfer in organisms such as bacteria, it can also provide more insight into an organism’s origins and history.
Statistical analysis of sampling data can identify clusters of genes as well as families, larger groups of related genes. This must be done carefully to avoid creating a false correlation which could lead to incorrect data or conclusions. When researchers report on clusters, they discuss the methodology used in their research and the results so that readers can determine for themselves the authenticity of the gene cluster study’s conclusion.
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