Definition

The state of having two identical alleles for a particular gene, meaning both inherited copies are the same.

Example

Homozygosity can increase the risk of genetic disorders if both alleles carry harmful mutations.

Conversation

I was reading about homozygosity in genetics last night.

Oh really? What did you find interesting about it?

It’s fascinating how it affects traits in organisms.

Yeah, it can really influence how species adapt over time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Homozygosity → It is formed from "homo-" (from Greek "homos", meaning same) and "zygos" (from Greek "zygon", meaning yoke or pair). The term refers to having identical alleles at a particular gene locus, thus indicating a genetic pairing that is the same.

Memory Tip

Think of 'same' ('homo-') and 'pair' ('zygos') to remember that homozygosity means having identical pairs of genes.

Visually Confused Words