AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A homologous chromosome pertains to one of a pair of chromosomes with the same gene sequence, loci, chromosomal length, and centromere location. A homologous pair consists of one paternal and one maternal chromosome. In humans, there are a total of 46 chromosomes in the nucleus of a somatic cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -Use in clinical context. The chromosomes in a homologous pair each have the same genes in the same order, but there may be variation between them, resulting in different alleles.

Detailed explanation-3: -Heterozygous for a gene refers to when a homologous pair of chromosomes has different alleles of the same gene. A gene pair’s two alleles are found on homologous chromosomes. Alleles are a type of gene that differs from others.

Detailed explanation-4: -Homologous chromosomes are made up of chromosome pairs of approximately the same length, centromere position, and staining pattern, for genes with the same corresponding loci. One homologous chromosome is inherited from the organism’s mother; the other is inherited from the organism’s father.

Detailed explanation-5: -If the pair consists of similar chromosomes by shape and organization, they are called ‘homologous chromosomes’ and if they are not similar they are called ‘heterologous chromosomes’.