Definition

Referring to a condition where an organism has only one copy of a gene instead of the usual two, often seen in certain genetic situations like males having one X and one Y chromosome.

Example

In hemizygous individuals, the presence of only one allele can lead to specific genetic traits or deficiencies.

Conversation

Did you learn anything interesting about genetics in class today?

Yeah, we talked about how some organisms can be hemizygous for certain genes.

What does being hemizygous mean exactly?

It means they have only one copy of a gene instead of the usual two, like with the X and Y chromosomes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemizygous → It is formed from "hemi-" (meaning half) and "zygos" (from Greek, meaning yoke or joined). The term describes an organism that has only one allele for a gene instead of the usual two, effectively having a 'half' set of alleles for that gene.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hemi-' meaning half and 'zygos' meaning joined — this helps you remember that hemizygous refers to having only one allele instead of a pair.

Visually Confused Words