HETEROZYGOSITY Meaning and
Definition
-
Heterozygosity is a term used in genetics and population biology to describe the presence of two different alleles at a particular genetic locus within an individual or a population. It refers to the condition where the alleles in a diploid organism are different, meaning that an individual has inherited two distinct forms of a gene from its parents.
In simpler terms, heterozygosity denotes the genetic diversity present at a specific gene or genetic marker in an individual or group. It is commonly expressed as the proportion or frequency of heterozygous individuals within a population. An organism with high heterozygosity is said to be genetically diverse, as it carries a wide range of genetic variation at that particular locus.
Heterozygosity plays a vital role in maintaining genetic diversity within populations, which is crucial for their survival and adaptability to changing environments. It allows for the potential expression of different genetic traits, providing a wider range of options for adaptation and evolution. In contrast, low levels of heterozygosity imply reduced genetic variation and may make a population more susceptible to genetic disorders and disease.
Heterozygosity is often quantified by calculating genetic indices, such as the observed and expected heterozygosity, which determine the proportion of heterozygous individuals and the expected level of heterozygosity based on genetic models, respectively. Studying heterozygosity is essential in various fields, including evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and human genetics, as it provides insights into the genetic structure and health of populations.
Common Misspellings for HETEROZYGOSITY
Etymology of HETEROZYGOSITY
The word "heterozygosity" derives from the combination of two parts: "hetero-" and "-zygosity".
1. "Hetero-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "heteros", meaning "different" or "other". It is commonly used to indicate diversity or dissimilarity.
2. "-Zygosity" comes from the Greek word "zygon", meaning "yoke" or "pair". In genetics, it refers to the state of having different alleles (alternative forms of a gene) at a specific locus or gene pair.
Therefore, "heterozygosity" refers to the condition or state of having different alleles at a particular genetic location or locus.
Similar spelling words for HETEROZYGOSITY
- heteroecious,
- heteroicous,
- heterogenous,
- heterosporous,
- heterocyclic,
- heterogeneity,
- heterozygous,
- heterosexuality,
- heterocycle,
- heterospory,
- heterograft.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
