Heterozygote

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Heterozygote

Heterozygote (pronunciation: /ˈhɛtərəʊzaɪt/) is a term used in the field of Genetics to describe an organism that has different alleles at a particular gene locus on homologous chromosomes.

Etymology

The term 'Heterozygote' is derived from the Greek words 'heteros' meaning different and 'zygotos' meaning yoked or joined. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the genetic condition of having two different alleles for a single trait.

Definition

In Genetics, a heterozygote is an organism that has inherited different forms of a particular gene from each of its parents. This condition is in contrast to a Homozygote, which has inherited the same version of the gene from both parents.

Related Terms

  • Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
  • Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism; the combination of alleles for a given gene.
  • Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
  • Homozygote: An organism that has two identical alleles for a trait.

See Also

External links

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