(homologues) A pair of similar chromosomes, one of maternal and one of paternal origin. In the diploid cells of an organism, two sets of chromosomes are present, one set originating from the male gamete and one from the female gamete. When contraction and condensation of the chromatin of the chromosomes occurs in * prophase, their distinctive morphological features become apparent. The positions of * centromeres and * nucleolar organizers, and the * chromomere patterns are identical in homologous chromosomes and enable homologues to be identified. The genes in corresponding chromomeres influence the same characteristics and if one gene is dominant to the other, it will be expressed in the phenotype. Homologous chromosomes pair during prophase of the first meiotic division and subsequently separate to different daughter cells. Compare homoeology. |
