homologous chromosomes: (synonym: homologs) The two chromosomes from a particular pair, normally one inherited from the mother and one from the father, containing the same genetic loci in the same order

• In a female, each pair of autosomal chromosomes (pairs 1-22) and the sex chromosomes (the pair of Xs) are homologous.

• In a male, each pair of autosomal chromosomes is homologous. The sex chromosomes (the X and the Y) are not homologous because they contain different genes.

Posted: 10-1-02