Multigene Family

The term multigene families is used to include groups of genes from the same organism that encode proteins with similar sequences either
over their full lengths or limited to a specific domain. DNA duplications can generate gene pairs. If both copies are maintained in subsequent
generations then a multigene family will exist. A multigene family is a member of a family of related proteins encoded by a set of similar genes.
Multigene families are believed to have arisen by duplication and variation of a single ancestral gene. Examples of multigene families include
those that encode the actins, hemoglobins, immunoglobulins, tubulins, interferons, histones etc.

The term multigene families is broadly used to include groups of genes from the same organism that encode proteins with similar sequences
either over their full lengths or limited to a specific domain. The significance of recognizing multigene families is that the members may have
related functions. Genes that are identical or nearly identical in sequence and regulation can be considered to encode isoforms rather than
members of a multigene family. In addition, genes that were derived from a common ancestral gene but have diverged extensively may not be
recognized as related.

The term super-family is used to describe a group of proteins with significant sequence similarity to each other but with clearly defined multigene
families. The individual multigene families are likely to have distinct functions that select for shared sequences that vary from the global
consensus sequence seen in the whole super-family.

The term "clan" is used for related protein families that share some properties but display no clear phylogenetic relationship with each other. It
covers cases of convergent evolution of proteins with similar functions but no convincing evidence of a common origin.

Comparative genomics has increasingly shown that most eukaryotic genes are derived from genes that were present in one form or another in
the eukaryotic ancestor. Subsequent gene loss or amplification led to quantitative and qualitative differences observed in distant phyla.

Episomes
An episome is a portion of genetic material that can exist independent of the main body of genetic material (called the
chromosome) at some times, while at other times is able to integrate into the chromosome. Examples include insertion
sequences and transposons. Another example of an episome is called the F factor. The F factor determines whether genetic
material in the chromosome of one organism is transferred into another organism. The F factor can exist in three states that are
designated as F+, Hfr, and F prime. F+ refers to the F factor that exists independently of the chromosome. Hfr stands for high
frequency of recombination, and refers to a factor that has integrated into the host chromosome. The F prime factor exists outside
the chromosome, but has a portion of chromosomal DNA attached to it.