Definition

Describing a genetic condition where an individual has two different alleles for a specific gene, one inherited from each parent.

Example

The plant is heterozygous for flower color, meaning it has one allele for red flowers and another for white flowers.

Conversation

I was reading about genetics, and I came across the term heterozygous.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It means having different alleles at certain gene locations, which can affect traits.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know genetics could be so complex.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterozygous → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "zygous" (from Greek "zygon", meaning yoke or joined). The word describes an organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene, hence the concept of being joined or yoked together in a different manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') alleles being 'joined' ('zygous') together in an organism — that's what heterozygous means.

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