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Multiple Choice
Are homologous chromosomes identical in their genetic composition?
A
No, they have the same genes but may have different alleles.
B
No, they are completely different in both genes and alleles.
C
Yes, they are identical in both genes and alleles.
D
Yes, they are identical in their genetic composition.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of homologous chromosomes: Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same structure and carry the same genes at the same loci, but they may have different alleles.
Recognize that alleles are different versions of a gene that may result in different traits. For example, a gene for eye color may have an allele for blue eyes and another for brown eyes.
Identify that homologous chromosomes are not identical in their genetic composition because they can carry different alleles for the same gene.
Clarify that while homologous chromosomes have the same genes, the alleles for those genes can vary between the two chromosomes in the pair.
Conclude that the correct understanding is that homologous chromosomes have the same genes but may have different alleles, making them not identical in their genetic composition.