Pseudogene

**Semantic type:** Classification

**Definition:** Nonfunctional DNA sequences that are very similar to the sequences of known genes. Many seem to have arisen as functional gene duplications that subsequently underwent mutation and loss of function. Others are structurally similar to mRNA and seem to have arisen by a reverse transcription event followed by integration into the genome. Some pseudogenes are transcribed and may play a role in regulation of its homologous gene.

**Synonyms:** - PSEUDOGENE