decribe the cause of similar genes in slugs and crabs

Question

describe the cause of similar genes in a slug and a crab

Answer 1

Teresa,

 

In the   genome, there is a class of genes that is known as "house keeping" genes. These genes are required for basic cell maintenance and propagation. Examples are proliferation through  cell-division as well as repair to cellular injury. These properties are similar for all multicellular organisms including plants and animals. However, organisms differ in their habitat as well as morphology.

 

As Joseph has correctly pointed, the evolution adds new genes. However,  based on natural selection and environmental pressure, evolution also modifies the existing genes and their regulation. For instance, genes necessary for cell division are conserved in all organisms  starting from fruit flies to humans. However,  genes necessary for yellow coat color are present in fruit flies and not in other invertebrate classes.

 

Slugs are mollusks and crabs are arthropods. In general, crab genes would resemble other arthropods, however, basic housekeeping genes would be similar in both.  Both organisms are invertebrates and their genes would have greater resemblance to each other than to us or dogs or whales (all vertebrates and mammals)>

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

Answer 2

The genomes of slugs and crabs is, in fact, very different if one considers the entire set of genes. Our current ideas center on the concept that a genome represents the accumulation of genes passed from parents to offspring.

 

This accumulation of genes explains why various species have similar genes. Apparently, the process of evolution adds genes without eliminating earlier ones. This process is less than clear, and no doubt far more complex than we think.

 

However, when we look at specific genes, then we find many identical genes each of which controls a specific biochemical process. The genes which control protein formation or glucose metabolism will be very similar if not identical from one species to another, even those species which are very different from each other. Due to the fundamental chemistry involved, the genes will be similar.