Final answer:
A gene family is a group of genes that share a common origin and have similar functions. An example of a gene family is the globin gene family, which includes the genes responsible for producing different types of hemoglobin in vertebrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gene family is a group of genes that share a common origin and have similar functions. These genes often have similar sequences and perform related roles in an organism's development and physiology.
An example of a gene family is the globin gene family, which includes the genes responsible for producing the different types of hemoglobin in vertebrates.
The globin gene family consists of multiple genes that encode different types of globin proteins. These proteins are essential for oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
In humans, the globin gene family includes the alpha-globin genes and the beta-globin genes, among others. Each gene in the family has undergone evolutionary changes over time, resulting in variations in the protein structure and function.