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Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 4

Discuss the concepts of homologous chromosomes, diploidy, and haploidy. What characteristics do two homologous chromosomes share?

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Start by defining homologous chromosomes: these are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same length, centromere position, and carry genes for the same traits at corresponding loci, but may have different alleles.
Explain diploidy as the state of having two complete sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent, which means each chromosome has a homologous partner.
Describe haploidy as having only one complete set of chromosomes, typical of gametes (sperm and egg cells), which contain only one chromosome from each homologous pair.
Discuss the shared characteristics of homologous chromosomes, emphasizing that they have the same gene sequence and structure, but can differ in the specific versions (alleles) of those genes they carry.
Summarize by highlighting that homologous chromosomes pair during meiosis, allowing for genetic recombination and proper segregation, which is fundamental to sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Homologous Chromosomes

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes in a diploid organism that have the same length, shape, and gene sequence. One chromosome of each pair is inherited from each parent. They carry the same genes at corresponding loci but may have different alleles, which contributes to genetic variation.
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Diploidy

Diploidy refers to cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. In diploid organisms, chromosomes exist in homologous pairs, allowing for genetic recombination during meiosis. Most somatic cells in animals and plants are diploid.
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Haploidy

Haploidy describes cells that have only one set of chromosomes, such as gametes (sperm and egg cells). Haploid cells are produced through meiosis and combine during fertilization to restore diploidy. This ensures genetic diversity and proper chromosome number across generations.
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