Conserved sequences

Conserved Sequences

Conserved sequences (pronunciation: /kənˈsɜːrvd ˈsiːkwənsɪz/) are sequences in DNA, RNA, or protein that have been evolutionarily preserved. These sequences are of significant importance in biology and genetics due to their role in maintaining the structure and function of proteins and regulatory elements.

Etymology

The term "conserved sequences" is derived from the English words "conserved" and "sequences". "Conserved" comes from the Latin word "conservare" meaning "to keep, preserve", and "sequences" from the Latin word "sequentia" meaning "following things".

Definition

Conserved sequences are regions of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) or proteins that have remained relatively unchanged throughout evolution. These sequences are often functionally important, as changes in these areas could have detrimental effects on the organism's survival.

Role in Biology

In biology, conserved sequences have a crucial role. They are often found in genes that encode for essential proteins, and changes in these sequences can lead to significant functional changes. Conserved sequences are also important in the regulation of gene expression, as they can act as binding sites for transcription factors and other regulatory elements.

Related Terms

Evolution: The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
Gene: A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
Transcription factor: A protein that controls the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA, by binding to a specific DNA sequence.