Question

get it?

1. distinguish between

homologous chromosomes
and sister chromatids.

Explanation:

To distinguish them: Homologous chromosomes are a pair (one from each parent) with same genes (maybe different alleles), similar in size/shape, pair in meiosis. Sister chromatids are identical copies (formed by DNA replication) of a single chromosome, connected at centromere, separate in mitosis/meiosis II.

Answer:

• Homologous Chromosomes: A pair of chromosomes (one from maternal, one from paternal origin) that have the same gene loci (carry genes for the same traits, though alleles may differ), are similar in size and shape, and pair up during meiosis (synapsis). They are not identical copies (unless in a homozygous individual for all genes) and exist as separate chromosomes (each with two sister chromatids during cell division stages with replicated DNA).
• Sister Chromatids: Identical copies of a single chromosome that are produced by DNA replication during the S - phase of the cell cycle. They are connected at the centromere and are genetically identical (carry the same alleles) to each other. Sister chromatids separate from each other during anaphase of mitosis or anaphase II of meiosis, becoming individual chromosomes.