Having homologous chromosomes indicates that the organism is a DIPLOID SPECIE.
A homologous chromosome refers to a pair of chromosomes which originate from each parent. Homologous chromosomes posses the same length, banding patterns, amount of genes, location of genes and location of centromeres. However the genes in the homologous chromosomes may or may not be the same.
I believe that a good way to summarize all the processes is metabolism.
Metabolism is the sum of all the (chemical) processes starting at the beginning of an organisms' life and ending at death.
Algae growth and oxygen depletion in lakes and stream, and methemoglobinemia, caused by too much nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water.
In the X and Y chromosomes. 50% of your mom's genes are in the X chromosome, and 50% of your dad's in the Y.