Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
homozygous
Adjective
/ˌhoʊ.məˈzaɪ.ɡəs/
Definition
Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Examples
- The plant is homozygous for the tall trait, meaning it has two tall alleles.
- In a homozygous individual, both copies of the gene are the same.
- Homozygous recessive conditions may lead to specific genetic disorders.
Meaning
The term ‘homozygous’ is used in genetics to describe an organism that has two copies of the same allele for a specific gene. This means that both inherited alleles from each parent are identical, whether they are dominant or recessive.
Synonyms
- Identical
- Purebred
- Consistent
