Homologous chromosomes
Homologous Chromosomes
Homologous chromosomes (pronunciation: ho·mo·lo·gous chro·mo·somes /ˌhɒməˈləʊgəs ˈkrəʊməˌsəʊmz/) are a pair of chromosomes that match up at meiosis and are identical in morphology and arrangement.
Etymology
The term "homologous" is derived from the Greek words "homos" meaning "same" and "logos" meaning "relation". The term "chromosome" comes from the Greek words "chroma" meaning "color" and "soma" meaning "body".
Definition
Homologous chromosomes are two pieces of DNA within a diploid organism which carry the same genes, one from each parental source. They are similar in size, shape, and position of the centromere, but not necessarily identical in terms of genetic content.
Function
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of their DNA in a process known as crossing over. This leads to genetic variation in the offspring.
Related Terms
- Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
- Diploid: An organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes.
- Haploid: An organism or cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.
- Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
- Crossing over: The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristics in offspring.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Homologous chromosomes
- Wikipedia's article - Homologous chromosomes
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