MadSci Network: Genetics
Query:

Re: In a cell, are the X and Y chromosomes considered homologous chromosomes?

Date: Wed Oct 7 09:04:53 1998
Posted By: Mark Woelfle, Faculty, Molecular Biology, Vanderbilt University
Area of science: Genetics
ID: 906146780.Ge
Message:

 During meiosis (the process that produces sperm and egg cells in humans), 
the complete complement of chromosomes in the cell are duplicated; in 
humans, the 46 chromosomes (or 23 pairs) are duplicated to form 92 total 
chromosomes (or 46 pairs). The term homologous chromosomes is derived from 
the pairing that occurs during meiosis, but the more correct term is 
homologous pair. Each member of a pair is a homolog. During meiosis (in 
men), the X and Y chromosomes are paired together and thus form a 
homologous pair.
 The X and Y chromosomes are also the sex chromosomes in humans. If you 
receive an Y chromosome you are male, because this chromosome contains the 
genes that control male development. However, the X and Y chromosomes in 
humans also have a number of genes (or DNA sequences) in common. In fact, 
it is these DNA sequences that are common to both X and Y that allow them 
to pair during meiosis. 



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