Homologous Chromosomes

Pronunciation
/huh-MOL-uh-guhs kroh-moh-sohmz/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Homologous Chromosome
Plural
Homologous Chromosomes

Definition

Pairs of chromosomes that carry the same genes, one inherited from each parent.

Etymology

From Greek 'homo-', meaning 'same', and 'logos', meaning 'proportion'

Example

The two homologous chromosomes in a diploid cell carry the genes for eye color, one from the mother and one from the father.

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