HETEROZYGOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Heterozygosis is a term used in genetics to describe the state of being heterozygous for a particular gene or trait. Heterozygosity occurs when an individual has two different alleles of a gene, one inherited from each parent. In other words, heterozygosis refers to the presence of two different versions of a specific gene in an organism's genome.
This genetic phenomenon is of crucial importance in understanding the inheritance patterns and diversity of traits within a population. When an individual is heterozygous, they possess two distinct alleles for a gene, which may result in different expressions of that particular trait. In heterozygotes, one allele is dominant and determines the observable characteristic, while the other allele is recessive and remains latent.
Heterozygosis plays a vital role in determining an individual's phenotype, or observable traits. The dominant allele will typically express itself, leading to the appearance of specific physical or biochemical characteristics. Meanwhile, the recessive allele may not be visible, but it can still be passed on to future generations, influencing the expression of traits in subsequent offspring.
The presence of heterozygosity within a population contributes to genetic diversity and variation. It allows for the introduction and retention of new genetic material through sexual reproduction, leading to greater adaptability and resilience against environmental changes. Thus, heterozygosis is a fundamental concept in genetics that explains the inheritance patterns and genetic variation that exist within and between populations.
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The production of hybrids by the union of unlike gametes; cross-breeding.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETEROZYGOSIS
- geterozygosis
- beterozygosis
- neterozygosis
- jeterozygosis
- ueterozygosis
- yeterozygosis
- hwterozygosis
- hsterozygosis
- hdterozygosis
- hrterozygosis
- h4terozygosis
- h3terozygosis
- hererozygosis
- heferozygosis
- hegerozygosis
- heyerozygosis
- he6erozygosis
- he5erozygosis
- hetwrozygosis
- hetsrozygosis
Etymology of HETEROZYGOSIS
The term "heterozygosis" is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "hetero" meaning "different" or "other", and "zygosis" meaning "the act of yoking or joining". In genetics, heterozygosis refers to the state or condition of having different alleles (alternative forms of a gene) at a particular genetic locus on a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Similar spelling word for HETEROZYGOSIS
