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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Pseudogene and Gene?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Pseudogene and Gene?

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The main difference between a pseudogene and a gene lies in their functionality and origin. Here are the key differences:

  1. Functionality: A gene is a segment of DNA that encodes a protein, while a pseudogene is a nonfunctional segment of DNA that resembles a gene but does not encode a protein.
  2. Origin: Pseudogenes are typically derived from genes that have mutated or changed over many generations through the course of evolution. They can arise as superfluous copies of functional genes, either directly by gene duplication or indirectly by reverse transcription of an mRNA transcript.
  3. Pseudogene Types: Pseudogenes can be broadly classified into two categories: processed and nonprocessed. Nonprocessed pseudogenes usually contain introns and are often located next to their paralogous parent gene. Processed pseudogenes are thought to originate through retrotransposition, and they lack introns and a promoter region but often contain a polyadenylation signal and are flanked by direct repeats.
  4. Regulatory Role: While pseudogenes are often considered nonfunctional, some have been found to harbor the potential to regulate their protein-coding cousins. Pseudogenes can be transcribed into RNA, and although most of these transcripts have no functional significance, some have given rise to beneficial regulatory RNAs and new proteins.
  5. Evolutionary Fate: Pseudogenes have often been considered as evolutionary relics, but as we understand the mechanism of their origin and regulation, their role in genomic evolution is becoming more appreciated.
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  • What is the Difference Between Pseudogene and Gene?
  • Comparative Table: Pseudogene vs Gene

    • Comparative Table: Pseudogene vs Gene

    Here is a table comparing the differences between pseudogenes and genes:

    Feature Pseudogene Gene
    Definition A pseudogene is an inheritable genetic element that is nonfunctional because it does not code for a protein. A gene is an inheritable genetic element that is functional because it codes for a specific protein.
    Functionality Pseudogenes do not code for proteins. Genes code for proteins.
    Sequence Similarity Pseudogenes have high sequence similarity (homology) to a known gene, with DNA sequences of a pseudogene and its functional parent gene being about 65% to 100% identical. Genes have unique sequences that are not identical to pseudogenes.
    Regulatory Elements Pseudogenes lack key regulatory elements necessary for protein coding. Genes possess regulatory elements essential for protein coding.
    Location Pseudogenes are often located in regions of segmental duplication. Genes are not necessarily located in segmental duplication regions.
    Variant Accumulation Pseudogenes tend to accumulate more variants than their parent genes as they are not often under selective pressure. Genes tend to accumulate fewer variants than their pseudogene counterparts.
    Impact on Variant Detection Pseudogenes can affect the accuracy and reliability of variant detection in the nearby regions of their parent genes. Genes do not affect the accuracy and reliability of variant detection in the same way as pseudogenes.

    In summary, pseudogenes are nonfunctional genetic elements that do not code for proteins, while genes are functional elements that code for specific proteins. Pseudogenes have high sequence similarity to known genes but lack key regulatory elements necessary for protein coding. They are often located in regions of segmental duplication and can impact the accuracy of variant detection in nearby regions of their parent genes.

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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.