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homologous

(genetic biology)

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  • Grammar: adjective
  • Definition:
    ~ (Genetics) having the same shape and linear sequence of gene loci as another chromosome

    ~ (Natural history) having the same evolutionary origin but serving different functions
  • Example:
    1. Sexually reproducing parental cells have two different copies of most chromosomes, referred to as autosomal or homologous chromosomes.

    2. If two DNA sequences are similar then they are likely to be homologous (that is, they share a common evolutionary ancestor).
  • Related Word: homology (noun)
  • Antonym: non-homologous
  • Related Compound: homologous chromosomes


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