Question

Short / Long Answer Type Questions :
What are homologous chromosomes? Contrast the genetic makeup of sister chromatids with nonsister chromatids.

Answer 1

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.