What are homologous chromosomes? What happens to homologous chromosomes during meiosis?
Homologous chromosomes are defined as pairs of similar chromosomes having corresponding genes governing the same set of traits. During the heterotypic division of meiosis in leptotene, the chromosomes are thread-shaped and are coiled. During zygotene, homologous chromosomes start pairing. In pachytene, chromosomes show both- thickening and shortening. Diplotene is marked by the cessation of attraction force between the two homologous chromosomes. Uncoiling of the homologous chromosomes separate them from each other but also remains attached at chiasmata. During diakinesis, the separation of the homologous chromosome is complete. Exchange of parts between chromatids of homologous chromosomes may take place. During Anaphase I, centromeres of homologous compounds of bivalents repel each other post the separation of the centromere. The homologous chromosomes start to move apart, in telophase-I, chromosomes reach poles and become shortened.
