Functional cloning

Functional cloning involves using a known gene sequence as a probe to look for new gene sequences that may have similar functions, based on the similarity of sequence. Using this method of analysis, researchers can search through entire genomes to find genes of interest without having prior knowledge of their location. The genes, once putatively identified, can then be tested to see if their function is in fact similar to the initial gene of interest. This technique is useful when a given pathway or enzyme is present in one organism, and one wishes to identify the presence of a similar pathway or enzyme in a different organism.