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Multiple Choice
How do homologous chromosomes differ from chromatids?
A
Homologous chromosomes are involved in protein synthesis, while chromatids are involved in cell division.
B
Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes, while chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome.
C
Homologous chromosomes are found only in prokaryotic cells, while chromatids are found in eukaryotic cells.
D
Homologous chromosomes are identical copies of a single chromosome, while chromatids are pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definitions: Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same genes at the same loci, but possibly different alleles. Chromatids are the identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere after DNA replication.
Recognize the context of cell division: During cell division, particularly in meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and can exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This is different from chromatids, which are involved in both mitosis and meiosis as the duplicated copies of a chromosome.
Differentiate based on genetic content: Homologous chromosomes contain the same genes but are not identical because they can have different alleles. In contrast, chromatids are identical copies of each other, formed during the S phase of the cell cycle.
Clarify the cellular context: Homologous chromosomes are found in diploid cells, which are typical of eukaryotic organisms. Chromatids are also found in eukaryotic cells, but they are specifically the result of DNA replication in preparation for cell division.
Correct the misconceptions: Homologous chromosomes are not involved in protein synthesis directly; they are involved in genetic inheritance. Chromatids are not pairs of chromosomes; they are the duplicated form of a single chromosome. Both homologous chromosomes and chromatids are found in eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotic cells.