Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Allozymes and Isozymes?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Allozymes and Isozymes?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Allozymes and isozymes are two forms of enzymes that differ in their structural and functional aspects. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Origin: Allozymes are multiple forms of an enzyme coded by different alleles present in one locus, while isozymes are multiple forms of an enzyme coded by different genes present in different loci.
  • Amino Acid Sequences: Both allozymes and isozymes have slightly different amino acid sequences.
  • Function: Despite their differences in amino acid sequences, all allozymes carry out the same function, and all isozymes catalyze the same chemical reaction.
  • Conservation: Allozymes are functionally conserved, meaning they perform the same overall function, while isozymes can have different functions.
  • Evolutionary Relationships: Both allozymes and isozymes are useful in determining evolutionary relationships between closely related organisms.

In summary, allozymes are multiple forms of an enzyme coded by different alleles within the same locus and perform the same function, while isozymes are multiple forms of an enzyme coded by different genes in different loci and can have different functions.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Allozymes and Isozymes?
  • Comparative Table: Allozymes vs Isozymes

    • Comparative Table: Allozymes vs Isozymes

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between allozymes and isozymes:

    Aspect Allozymes Isozymes
    Definition Different forms of enzymes arising from genetic variations within the same gene Different forms of enzymes resulting from the expression of different genes
    Genetic Basis Variations in the DNA sequence of a single gene Expression of multiple genes encoding similar enzymes
    Variation Arise from alleles of a single gene Arise from different genes with similar functions
    Enzymatic Function Catalyze the same biochemical reaction Catalyze the same biochemical reaction
    Substrate Binding Bind to the same substrate Bind to the same substrate
    Structural Differences Slightly different amino acid sequences Slightly different amino acid sequences
    Functional Differences Carry out the same function Can work under various conditions, at different locations, or at different stages
    Evolutionary Significance Studied to understand genetic variation and molecular diversity, and to map closely related species Studied to understand genetic variation, molecular diversity, and evolutionary relationships between organisms

    Both allozymes and isozymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts of biochemical reactions. They have slightly different amino acid sequences and can be used to determine evolutionary relationships between closely related organisms.

    Read more:

    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.