Question

identify the characteristics of homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids.
homologous chromosomes\tsister chromatids
answer bank
identical copies\tmay exchange genetic material\tresult of chromosome duplication\tmay have different alleles
linked by a centromere\thave different parental origins

Explanation:

• Homologous chromosomes:
• They are pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent). So, they have different parental origins.
• They can undergo crossing - over (exchange of genetic material) during meiosis.
• They may carry different alleles (versions of a gene) for the same trait.
• Sister chromatids:
• They are formed by chromosome duplication (during S - phase of the cell cycle).
• They are identical copies of each other (assuming no mutation during replication).
• They are linked together at the centromere until they separate during cell division (e.g., anaphase of mitosis or meiosis II).

Answer:

Homologous chromosomes: may exchange genetic material, may have different alleles, have different parental origins.
Sister chromatids: identical copies, result of chromosome duplication, linked by a centromere.