Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is true?

• A. Homologous chromosomes are always inherited from the same parent.
• B. Homologous chromosomes are identical copies of each other.
• C. Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes but may have different alleles.
• D. Homologous chromosomes are found only in prokaryotic cells.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of homologous chromosomes: Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same structure and carry the same genes at the same loci, but they may have different alleles.
2. Consider the statement 'Homologous chromosomes are always inherited from the same parent.' This is incorrect because one chromosome of each homologous pair is inherited from each parent, not the same parent.
3. Evaluate the statement 'Homologous chromosomes are identical copies of each other.' This is incorrect because while they carry the same genes, they can have different alleles, making them not identical.
4. Analyze the statement 'Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes but may have different alleles.' This is correct because homologous chromosomes have the same gene sequence but can have variations in the alleles.
5. Review the statement 'Homologous chromosomes are found only in prokaryotic cells.' This is incorrect because prokaryotic cells do not have homologous chromosomes; they typically have a single circular chromosome.