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What are homologous chromosomes. What happens to homologous during meiosis. |
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Answer» Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs (one from each parent) that are similar in length, gene position, and centromere location. Prior to meiosis, homologous chromosomes replicate forming sister chromatids. In prophase I, sister chromatids pair up forming what is called a tetrad. While in close proximity, homologous chromosomes sometimes exchange sections of DNA. This is known as genetic recombination. Homologous chromosomes separate during the first meiotic division and sister chromatids separate during the second division. At the end of meiosis, four daughter cells are produced. The swapping of genes during homologous chromosome recombination produces genetic variation in organisms that reproduce sexually. |
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