Which of the following statements correctly describes one characteristic of a multigene family?
A) A multigene family includes multiple genes whose products must be coordinately expressed.
B) A multigene family includes genes whose sequences are very similar and that probably arose by duplication.
C) A multigene family includes a gene whose exons can be spliced in a number of different ways.
D) A multigene family includes a highly conserved gene found in a number of different species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A multigene family includes multiple copies of similar genes that arose by duplication of a single ancestral gene. The members of the multigene family may have evolved slightly different functions, but their sequences are still similar. This allows for coordinated regulation of gene expression in response to environmental cues.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes One Characteristic of a Multigene