A group of related genes of similar sequence and function resulting from multiple duplications and subsequent mutational variation among the different copies.
Abstract. Multigene families are defined as groups of genes with sequence homology and related overlapping functions, whereas superfamilies are defined as a group of proteins or genes of common origin with nonoverlapping functions.  gene. n. A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and is transcribed into an RNA molecule that may function directly or be translated into an amino acid chain. gene. A segment of DNA, occupying a specific place on a chromosome, that is the basic unit of heredity. Genes act by directing the synthesis of proteins, which are the main components of cells and are the catalysts of all cellular processes. Full Definition of FAMILIAL. 1. 2. See familial defined for English-language learners. See familial defined for kids.  Gene family. Definition. noun, plural: gene families. A set of genes with a known homology and are, in general, biochemically similar. Supplement. Genes are categorized into families based on shared nucleotide or protein sequences. Please contribute to this project, if you have more information about this term feel free to edit this page. This page was last modified on 27 April 2009, at 09:00.This page has been accessed 4,587 times.  Definition of GENE for Kids. : a unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development of one or more traits and is the basic unit by which genetic information is passed from parent to offspring.  gene family. (genetics). A group of related genes of similar sequence and function resulting from multiple duplications and subsequent mutational variation among the different copies. 1  Facebook.  structural gene-a gene that controls the production of a specific protein or peptide. suppresser gene, suppressor gene, suppresser, suppressor-a gene that suppresses the phenotypic expression of another gene (especially of a mutant gene). transgene-an exogenous gene introduced into the genome of another organism. gene. A segment of DNA, occupying a specific place on a chromosome, that is the basic unit of heredity. Genes act by directing the synthesis of proteins, which are the main components of cells and are the catalysts of all cellular processes. Definition of Homolog, Ortholog and Paralog. It was suggested that I might want to provide definitions which made the difference between these terms clear. These definitions are provided here. 1  A gene related to a second gene by descent from a common ancestral DNA sequence.  If the genes of a gene family encode proteins, the term protein family is often used in an analogous manner to gene family. The expansion or contraction of gene families along a specific lineage can be due to chance, or can be the result of natural selection. 
http://www.els.net/WileyCDA/ElsArticle/refId-a0005126.html http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gene http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familial http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Gene_family http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Gene+family http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gene http://homepage.usask.ca/~ctl271/857/def_homolog.shtml https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_family
gene family definition