Chapter 5, Problem 1RQ

What is the relationship between homologous chromosomes, copies of a gene, and alleles?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The relationship between homologous chromosomes, copies of a gene, and allele.

Introduction: Chromosomes are the large molecules of genes or DNA. The necessary information for every character of an organism is contained in the DNA. Combinations of thousands of these genetic molecules control the traits of an organism.

Explanation of Solution

Homologous chromosomes are paired chromosomes in a diploid organism. There are two sets of homologous chromosomes present in a diploid organism each set of chromosomes inherited from mother and father. Homologous chromosomes have a similar position of the centromere, location of gene, size and shape. There are two copies of each gene in homologous pairs of chromosomes; each copy received from both parents. Each gene of particular traits may have different variants which are known as alleles.