A cell that begins meiosis has 23 chromosomes inherited from the mother (shown in green in the cartoon above) and 23 chromosomes inherited from the father (shown in blue in the cartoon above). In the process of meiosis, chromosomes begin to match up in homologous pairs. How would you know if two chromosomes were homologous? [Check all that apply]

Question

A cell that begins meiosis has 23 chromosomes inherited from the mother (shown in green in the cartoon above) and 23 chromosomes inherited from the father (shown in blue in the cartoon above). In the process of meiosis, chromosomes begin to match up in homologous pairs. How would you know if two chromosomes were homologous? [Check all that apply]

they are the same size

they contain the same types of genes

the genes are in the same location

they contain different types of genes

Answer 1

To determine if two chromosomes are homologous, you would check the following characteristics:

1. They are the same size - Homologous chromosomes typically have the same length and shape.

2. They contain the same types of genes - Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes, which code for the same traits.

3. The genes are in the same location - Homologous chromosomes have genes that are located at the same loci on each chromosome.

The statement "they contain different types of genes" would not indicate that two chromosomes are homologous, as homologous chromosomes should have the same types of genes.

Therefore, the checks you would apply to identify homologous chromosomes are:

• They are the same size
• They contain the same types of genes
• The genes are in the same location