How many chromatids/centromeres?

Question

Could you help me answer the following questions?
1) If a cell that is about to divide has 22 chromosomes, how many chromatids does it have? How many centromeres does it have?

2)Are homologous chromosomes normally found in gametes? Why/why not?

Answer 1

1- A chromatid is one of two identical strands making up a chromosome that are joined at their centromeres, for the process of nuclear division (mitosis or meiosis). The term is used so long as the centromeres remain in contact. When they separate (during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase 2 of meiosis), the strands are called daughter-chromosomes.

Therefore 22 chromosomes = 44 chromatids and 22 centromeres

2- Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes in a biological cell that pair during meiosis, or alternatively, non-identical chromosomes that contain information for the same biological features and contain the same genes at the same loci but possibly different genetic information, called alleles, at those genes. For example, two chromosomes may have genes encoding eye colour, but one may code for brown eyes, the other for blue.

Homologous chromosomes are found at all body cells because all your boy cells have the same genetic make-up. They are more important in cells that give rise to gametes because they determine which genes will be transferred to which gamete.

Answer 2

1/ 44 chromatids, 22 centromeres

2/ no ,gametes are haploid and therefore not homologous. A pair of chromosomes in which one member of the pair is obtained from the organism's maternal parent and the other from the paternal parent; found in diploid cells. Also commonly referred to as homologous chromosomes.