Short / Long Answer Type Questions : What are homologous chromosomes? Contrast the genetic makeup of sister chromatids with nonsister chromatids.
Open in App
Solution
Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs (one from each parent) that are similar in length, gene position, and centromere location. The have the exact same gene - although may have different alleles of these genes, Position (loci) and size.
A sister chromatid refers to the identical copies (chromatids) formed by the DNA replication of a chromosome, with both copies joined together by a common centromere. Non-sister chromatids, on the other hand, refers to either of the two chromatids of paired homologous chromosomes, that is, the pairing of a paternal chromosome and a maternal chromosome.