Can be used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. A pair of chromosomes that have the same size, centromere position and staining pattern. With one exception, homologues carry the same genetic loci. A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. Dissimilar chromosomes that determine an individual's sex.
Females have a homologous pair of X chromosomes.
Males have one X and one Y chromosome. Thus, humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Chromosomal pairs in the human karyotype are a result of our sexual origins. One homologue is inherited from each parent. Somatic cells in humans and most other animals are diploid .