heterozygosity
Definition
Noun: The condition or state of an organism possessing two different alleles (variant forms) of a specific gene at a corresponding locus (position) on a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Usage
"Heterozygosity" is a technical term used primarily in genetics and biology. It describes the genetic constitution of a diploid organism for a particular gene. It is the opposite of homozygosity. * The heterozygosity of the plant for flower color resulted in pink blooms, a blend of the red and white alleles. * High levels of genetic heterozygosity in a population are often associated with greater adaptability.
Advanced Usage
- Population Genetics: In this field, "heterozygosity" often refers to a measure of genetic variation within a population. It can be observed () or expected under certain conditions ().
- Scientists calculated the expected heterozygosity to compare against the actual genetic diversity of the endangered species.
Variants and Related Words
- Heterozygous (adjective): Describing the state of having two different alleles.
- A heterozygous individual carries one dominant and one recessive allele.
- Heterozygote (noun): The individual organism that is heterozygous.
- The heterozygote displayed the dominant trait.
Synonyms
- Genetic diversity (for a population context)
- Mixed alleles (informal description)
Antonyms
- Homozygosity (the state of having two identical alleles)
Noun
-
the state of being heterozygous; having two different alleles of the same gene
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