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Chapter 2: Problem 5

If two chromosomes of a species are the same length and have similar centromere placements and yet are not homologous, what is different about them?

Short Answer

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Question: Explain the difference between two chromosomes with the same length and similar centromere placements, but are not homologous. Answer: Despite having the same length and similar centromere placements, non-homologous chromosomes differ at the molecular level, such as variations in gene sequences, gene order, or chromosomal structure. These differences prevent them from pairing up and undergoing genetic recombination during meiosis.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Homologous Chromosomes

Homologous chromosomes are a pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that have the same size, shape, and gene loci. This means they carry the same type of information and undergo pairing during meiosis. However, they may have different alleles for a particular gene.
02

Understanding Non-homologous Chromosomes

Non-homologous chromosomes are chromosomes that do not share the same gene loci, sequence, or pairing behavior during meiosis. They may have different sizes, shapes, and centromere positions, or have some structural differences despite appearing similar.
03

What makes these chromosomes different

Even though the two chromosomes in question have the same length and similar centromere placements, they are not homologous. This indicates that they must have some differences at molecular level, such as variations in their gene sequences, gene order, or chromosomal structure. These differences make them non-homologous, meaning they do not pair up during meiosis and cannot undergo genetic recombination with each other.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How many sister chromatids are seen in the metaphase for a single chromosome? How different are these structures from the interphase chromatin?

Describe the role of meiosis in the life cycle of a vascular plant.

Define and discuss these terms: (a) synapsis, (b) bivalents, (c) chiasmata, (d) crossing over, (e) chromomeres, (f) sister chromatids, (g) tetrads, (h) dyads, (i) monads.

How do spindle fibers form and how do chromosomes separate in animal cells?

What is the probability that, in an organism with a haploid number of \(10,\) a sperm will be formed that contains all 10 chromosomes whose centromeres were derived from maternal homologs?
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