Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What are homologous chromosomes?
A
Chromosomes that are identical in size and genetic content
B
Chromosomes that are found only in prokaryotic cells
C
Chromosomes that are involved in the process of transcription
D
Chromosomes that pair during meiosis and have the same genes at the same loci
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism, where one chromosome of each pair is inherited from each parent.
Recognize that homologous chromosomes are similar in size, shape, and genetic content, but they are not identical. They have the same genes at the same loci, but the alleles for each trait may differ.
Identify that homologous chromosomes pair up during meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of gametes (sperm and eggs).
Note that homologous chromosomes are not found only in prokaryotic cells; in fact, prokaryotic cells typically have a single circular chromosome and do not undergo meiosis.
Clarify that homologous chromosomes are not specifically involved in the process of transcription, which is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, but they do play a crucial role in genetic variation during sexual reproduction.