defined:

A DNA sequence that is very similar in several different kinds of organisms. Scientists regard these cross species similarities as evidence that a specific gene performs some basic function essential to many forms of life and that evolution has therefore conserved its structure by permitting few mutations to accumulate in it.

explained:

Listen to a detailed explanation.

Dr. Lawrence Brody, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Genetic and Molecular Biology Branch, defines highly conserved sequence.

related
terms:

gene, mutation

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