Final answer:
The difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids lies in their origin and genetics. Homologous chromosomes come from different parents and may carry different alleles, while sister chromatids are identical copies resulting from DNA replication of a single chromosome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids are two different concepts in cell genetics. Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content. They contain the same genes in the same order, but the alleles may differ between the chromosomes. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up, exchange genetic material by recombination or crossover, and contribute to genetic diversity. In comparison, sister chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome formed during the DNA replication in the S phase of the cell cycle. They are bound together by a centromere and eventually separated during cell division to become individual chromosomes in the daughter cells.
From the options provided, the correct distinction between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids is B) Homologous chromosomes are inherited from different parents, while sister chromatids are genetically identical copies. During cell division, specifically meiosis, homologous chromosomes may exchange segments in a process called crossover which increases genetic variation, whereas sister chromatids are the result of a chromosome duplicating itself during replication, and they eventually separate to ensure each new cell gets an accurate copy of the chromosomes.