Biological Science (6th Edition)
Biological Science (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780321976499
Author: Scott Freeman, Kim Quillin, Lizabeth Allison, Michael Black, Emily Taylor, Greg Podgorski, Jeff Carmichael
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 13, Problem 1TYK

CAUTION What are homologous chromosomes?

a. chromosomes that are similar in their size, shape, and gene content

b. similar chromosomes that are found in different individuals of the same species

c. the two chromatids in a replicated chromosome

d. any chromosome in a diploid cell

Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The chromosomes are the thread-like structure that carries the genetic information of an organism. They are made up of nucleic acids and proteins and are found in the nucleus of most of the living cells.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

Homologous chromosomes are those chromosomes that are similar in shape and size. These chromosomes possess similar gene content and thus, code for the same characteristics.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:

Option (a) is given that the chromosomes similar in their size, shape, and gene content are called homologous chromosomes or homologs. The two chromosomes come together and make a homologous pair, which comprises of same genes in the same positions within the chromosomes. It is important to note that these chromosomes are similar and are not considered to be identical.

Hence, Option (a) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (b) is given that homologous chromosomes are similar chromosomes that are found in different individuals of the same species. The homologous chromosomes are specifically similar to each other in size, shape, and gene content. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given that the homologous chromosomes are the two chromatids in a replicated chromosome. The sister chromatid are the identical duplicates, which are produced by the replication of the chromosomes. They are fused together at the same centromere and are homologous chromatids and not the homologous chromosomes. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given that any chromosome in a diploid cell are homologous chromosomes. The diploid cell contains autosomes that are homologous to each other, but the sex chromosomes are non-homologous. Therefore, any chromosome in the diploid cell cannot be homologous chromosome. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The chromosomes having the same shape, size, and genetic content are known as homologous chromosomes or homologs. These code for the same characteristics.

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A medical student is studying a liver biopsy taken from a regenerating liver following a partial hepatectomy. The student sees a dividing cell in which the chromosomes are aligned on a plate. Which of the following best describes the character of the chromosomes in the plate? A. 23 chromosomes with 2N DNA total and with each chromosome having one chromatid B. 23 chromosomes with 4N DNA total and with each chromosome having two chromatids C. 46 chromosomes with 2N DNA total and with each chromosome having one chromatid D. 46 chromosomes with 4N DNA total and each chromosome having two chromatids E. 92 chromosomes with 2N DNA total and with each chromosome having two chromatids
Consider a diploid organism in which the somatic cell chromosome number is 42. Assume cytokinesis to occur in mid telophase. A. How many chromosomes at the close of telophase of mitosis? B. How many chromosomes are expected at metaphase II of meiosis?
a.  What phase of Meiosis II is the cell in? How do you know?  b.  Assuming all of the chromosomes present during Meiosis II are shown in the figure above, how many chromosomes (counting homologous pairs as two chromosomes) does a gamete from this organism have?  c. Draw the same cell during the same phase of Meiosis I. Label the elements.
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