Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

12. Meiosis

Homologous Chromosomes

General Biology

12. Meiosis

Homologous Chromosomes

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2:34 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

Homologous pairs of chromosomes ________.
a. Are two different chromosomes attached to each other.
b. Are exact copies of one chromosome that are attached to each other.
c. Are separated from each other during meiosis I.
d. Are separated from each other during interphase.
e. Are chromosomes that carry different genes.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of homologous chromosomes: Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and carry the same genes at the same loci, but they may have different alleles for those genes. One chromosome in the pair is inherited from the mother, and the other is inherited from the father.

Review the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sperm and egg cells). It consists of two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. Homologous chromosomes are separated during meiosis I.

Analyze the options: Option (a) refers to two different chromosomes attached to each other, which is incorrect because homologous chromosomes are not physically attached to each other except during crossing over in meiosis. Option (b) describes sister chromatids, not homologous chromosomes. Option (c) correctly states that homologous chromosomes are separated during meiosis I. Option (d) is incorrect because interphase is a phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs, not chromosome separation. Option (e) is incorrect because homologous chromosomes carry the same genes, not different genes.

Focus on the correct answer: Homologous chromosomes are separated during meiosis I, which ensures that each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair.

Conclude that the correct answer is option (c), based on the biological process of meiosis and the definition of homologous chromosomes.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Homologous Chromosomes

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same structure and gene sequence but may carry different alleles. One chromosome of each pair is inherited from each parent, and they align during meiosis to facilitate genetic recombination.

Meiosis I

Meiosis I is the first division in the process of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes are separated into different cells. This reduction division results in two haploid cells, each containing one chromosome from each homologous pair, which is crucial for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

Interphase

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, including DNA replication. During interphase, chromosomes are not yet visible as distinct entities, and homologous chromosomes remain in the form of chromatin, making them unavailable for separation until meiosis begins.

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