Dictionary of Human Evolution and Biology

Dictionary of Human Evolution and Biology

Amelogenin

Enamel matrix protein formed in the juvenile stage of a mammal as part of amelogenesis. Homologous amelogenin is found on both the X (AMELX) and Y (AMELY) chromosomes, and is useful for molecular sex determination. Functionally orthologous amelogenin exon 2 is found in a wide variety of biomineralizing organisms, dating the genesis of this sequence to well over 500 mya. Amelogenin is also suspected to contribute to enamel thickness and to be one of the polygenes that contributes to sexual dimorphism.

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molecular sex determination (... amelogenin gene, aka the X/Y specific amelogenin test. Cf. skeletal sexing.)
amelogenesis (... hydroxyapatite within a self-assembled amelogenin structural matrix. Aka amelification.)
amelogenesis imperfecta (Heritable, X-linked recessive condition characterized by abnormal soft and white tooth enamel, ...)
enamel thickness (Relative width of the dental lamina in a tooth. See amelogenin.)
skeletal sexing (... an assay for the amelogenin gene.)