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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Allozyme Isozyme and Isoform?

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The terms allozyme, isozyme, and isoform refer to different types of enzyme variants and protein forms. Here are the main differences between them:

  1. Allozyme:
  • Different forms of an enzyme coded by different alleles at the same locus.
  • Carry out the same function.
  • Differ in amino acid sequence.
  • Frequently used to map closely related species in different groups, including plants and animals.
  1. Isozyme:
  • Variants of an enzyme coded by different genes present in different loci.
  • Catalyze the same chemical reaction.
  • Differ in amino acid sequence.
  • Used as molecular markers in population genetics.
  1. Isoform:
  • Various forms of proteins arising from modifications.
  • Not specifically focused on enzyme variants.
  • A group of proteins with different forms and functions, but originating from a single gene.
  • Related to diverse cellular conditions and locations.

Both allozymes and isozymes are enzyme variants that help determine genetic differences and relationships in biological diversity. They both catalyze chemical reactions and have slightly different amino acid sequences. However, allozymes are coded by different alleles at the same locus, while isozymes are coded by different genes located at different loci. Isoforms, on the other hand, are a broader category of proteins with different forms and functions, originating from a single gene.

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  • What is the Difference Between Allozyme Isozyme and Isoform?
  • Comparative Table: Allozyme Isozyme vs Isoform

    • Comparative Table: Allozyme Isozyme vs Isoform

    Here is a table comparing the differences between allozymes, isozymes, and isoforms:

    Aspect Allozymes Isozymes Isoforms
    Definition Different forms of enzymes arising from genetic variations within the same gene Different forms of enzymes resulting from the expression of different genes Various forms of proteins arising from modifications
    Genetic Basis Variations in the DNA sequence of a single gene Expression of multiple genes encoding similar enzymes Post-transcriptional modification of the same gene
    Variation Arise from alleles of a single gene Arise from different genes with similar functions Forms of proteins that carry out similar or different functions depending on their origin
    Function Catalyze chemical reactions Catalyze chemical reactions Carry out various functions, depending on their origin
    Origin Result from genetic variations within one gene Arise when different genes that encode similar enzymes are expressed Result from post-transcriptional modifications

    Allozymes and isozymes are enzyme variants, while isoforms are a group of proteins. All three determine genetic differences and the relationship in biological diversity within populations.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.