Fig. 7From: Mouse Obox and Crxos modulate preimplantation transcriptional profiles revealing similarity between paralogous mouse and human homeobox genesSimplified scenario for the evolution of functional redundancy. a A group of genes contribute to several biological processes with partial overlap of functions. b Partial functional overlap permits gene loss to persist as a temporary state. c Redundancy can be restored through gene duplication and divergence. The temporal sequence of (b) and (c) can be reversed. Partial redundancy affords buffering against somatic failure of a gene or processBack to article page