Question

Is it possible to have 2 or more genes coded for along the same overlapping section of DNA sequence? Briefly explain your reasoning

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to have 2 or more genes coded for along the same overlapping section of DNA sequence.

Reason-

A gene is made up of DNA nucleotides which are made up of 4 nitrogenous bases end to end. 3 bases form a codon. Thus a gene sequence can be coded in many ways depending on the reading frame. This gives rise to the concept of overlapping genes. Overlapping genes causes an overlap in which all or part of the sequence of one gene is read in an alternate reading frame from another gene at the same locus. For example, it can be of three types-

1. Unidirectional overlap- the 3' end of one gene overlaps with the 5' end of another gene on the same strand

2. Convergent or end to end overlap-  the 3' ends of the two genes overlap on opposite strands.

3. Divergent overlap-  the 5' ends of the two genes overlap on opposite strands.