Homologous Pairs
Definition
Homologous pairs are two chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and size and carry the same type of genetic information.
Analogy
Think of homologous pairs like a pair of shoes. They look very similar, have the same function (to protect your feet), but aren't identical because they're mirror images of each other (left shoe and right shoe). Similarly, homologous chromosomes carry the same types of genes but may have different versions of those genes (alleles).
Related terms
Allele: An allele is a variant form of a gene. Each person has two alleles for each gene - one inherited from each parent.
Chromosome: A chromosome is a long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism.
Gene: A gene is a segment on the DNA that contains instructions to make proteins – the key structural materials in our bodies.
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