Question

What is the same in homologous chromosomes?

Answer 1

Chromosomes are significant molecules as they possess genetic instruction and DNA for directing the activity of cells. They are involved in determination of individual traits as they carry genes. They are thread shaped and are present inside the nucleus of plant cells and animal cells. Every chromosome is made up of DNA and protein. Proteins include histones and chaperone proteins for DNA packaging.

Complete answer
Homologous chromosomes are types of chromosome pairs, which consists of a paternal chromatid and a maternal chromatid that are very similar in length and gene position. They are joined by centromeres. They possess the similar alleles of the genes. The position of the gene on every homologous chromosome is the same.

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes of similar length, position of centromere and staining pattern for identical characteristics at the corresponding loci. In the pair, one homologous chromosome is inherited from the father of an organism and the other homologous chromosome is inherited from the organism’s mother.

The homologous chromosomes are paired during the meiosis process. They possess the same genes at the same location or loci, but the alleles need not be the same.

A human cell consists of twenty-three pairs of homologous chromosomes. An example is chromosomes having genes encoding eye color. In one chromosome, the gene can code for black eyes and in the other chromosome, the gene may encode brown color.

Homologous chromosomes are similar, but not identical. Every homologous chromosome carries the same gene in the same order, yet the alleles for each trait need not be the same.

Note:
Homologous chromosomes carry the same type of genetic information. They carry the same gene in all locations, but there is no need for the genes to be the same version. They have the same size and shape. All cells possess homologous chromosomes with the exception of reproductive cells of higher organisms. Cells having homologous chromosomes are diploid, while reproductive cells are haploid.