Homozygote
Homozygote
Homozygote (pronunciation: /ˈhɒməʊˌzaɪɡəʊt/) is a term used in genetics to describe an organism that has two identical alleles of a particular gene on both homologous chromosomes.
Etymology
The term "homozygote" is derived from the Greek words "homos" meaning same and "zygotos" meaning yoked or joined. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe organisms with identical alleles.
Definition
A homozygote is an organism that has inherited the same alleles for a particular gene from both parents. These alleles may be dominant or recessive. If an organism is homozygous for a dominant allele, it will display the dominant phenotype. If it is homozygous for a recessive allele, it will display the recessive phenotype.
Related Terms
- Heterozygote: An organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene.
- 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 set of genes that it carries.
- Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
- Dominant allele: An allele that is fully expressed in the phenotype of a heterozygote.
- Recessive allele: An allele whose phenotypic effect is not observed in a heterozygote.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Homozygote
- Wikipedia's article - Homozygote
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