homology (Meaning)

Wordnet

homology (n)

the quality of being similar or corresponding in position or value or structure or function

Webster

homology (n.)

The quality of being homologous; correspondence; relation; as, the homologyof similar polygons.

Correspondence or relation in type of structure in contradistinction to similarity of function; as, the relation in structure between the leg and arm of a man; or that between the arm of a man, the fore leg of a horse, the wing of a bird, and the fin of a fish, all these organs being modifications of one type of structure.

The correspondence or resemblance of substances belonging to the same type or series; a similarity of composition varying by a small, regular difference, and usually attended by a regular variation in physical properties; as, there is an homology between methane, CH4, ethane, C2H6, propane, C3H8, etc., all members of the paraffin series. In an extended sense, the term is applied to the relation between chemical elements of the same group; as, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are said to be in homology with each other. Cf. Heterology.

homology Sentence Examples

  1. In comparative anatomy, homology refers to the similarity of structures in different organisms due to their common evolutionary origin.
  2. The wing of a bat and the arm of a human are homologous structures, sharing a similar bone pattern despite their different functions.
  3. Sequence homology between DNA or protein sequences indicates a shared genetic ancestry between organisms.
  4. Gene homology suggests that genes in different species may have originated from a common ancestral gene.
  5. Homologous proteins often share similar biochemical functions, as seen in the hemoglobin molecule found in many organisms.
  6. Comparative genomics studies homology between genomes to uncover evolutionary relationships among different species.
  7. The evolutionary development of homologous structures is explained by the theory of descent with modification.
  8. Molecular homology, such as the presence of conserved protein domains, supports the concept of universal genetic codes.
  9. Homologous structures can adapt to diverse functions in different organisms, illustrating the process of evolutionary divergence.
  10. The study of homology is crucial for understanding the unity and diversity of life forms.

FAQs About the word homology

the quality of being similar or corresponding in position or value or structure or functionThe quality of being homologous; correspondence; relation; as, the ho

oneness,homogeneity, equivalence, homogeneousness, selfsameness, identity, similarity,equality, agreement,identicalness

dissimilarity, individuality, distinction, distinctiveness, distinctness, change, separation, dissimilarity, individuality, variation

In comparative anatomy, homology refers to the similarity of structures in different organisms due to their common evolutionary origin.

The wing of a bat and the arm of a human are homologous structures, sharing a similar bone pattern despite their different functions.

Sequence homology between DNA or protein sequences indicates a shared genetic ancestry between organisms.

Gene homology suggests that genes in different species may have originated from a common ancestral gene.