Homologous Pairs of Chromosomes in Human Somatic Cells

Homologous Pairs of Chromosomes in Human Somatic Cells

Homologous refers to chromosomes that are the same size, shape, and have the same set of genes occupying the same locations (loci; singular = locus) on each chromosome

Homologous Chromosomal Pair (unreplicated)

Homologous Chromosomal Pair (replicated)a.k.a. – tetrad (four chromatids)

Actual human chromosome pairs (22 autosomal pairs and 1 pair of sex chromosomes)from a somatic (body) cell (diploid, 2n = 46)

or

Human chromosomes (22 autosomal and 1 sex chromosome)from a gametic (germ, reproductive) cell (haploid, n

= 23)

Either “X” or “Y” found in sperm; only “X” found in egg