Question

Homologous chromosomes _____. a)  align on the metaphase plate in meiosis ii,

b.must carry the same alleles, c) are identical,
d.carry information for the same traits

Answer 1

Homologous chromosomes carry information for the same traits but are not necessarily identical as they may have different alleles. They line up at the metaphase plate during metaphase I of meiosis, not meiosis II, and undergo recombination to produce genetic diversity. Thus, option D is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same size, shape, and contain the same genes. However, they are not necessarily identical as they may carry different alleles of the same genes. The correct answer to the student's question is d. carry information for the same traits. During the first division of meiosis, specifically in metaphase I, homologous chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate, but they do not align on the metaphase plate in meiosis II; that is when sister chromatids line up. Homologous chromosomes do carry information for the same traits but can have different versions of the same gene, known as alleles. These chromosomes undergo a process called recombination, or crossover, during which they exchange segments of genetic material to produce genetic diversity.

Answer 2

Homologous chromosomes carry information for the same traits. Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes pairs that are similar in length, centromere location and gene position. The position of the genes on each homologous chromosome, but may contain different alleles.