HOMOZYGOSITY Meaning and
Definition
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Homozygosity is a genetic term used to describe the state of having two identical alleles for a specific gene in an organism's genome. Alleles are alternative forms of a gene that can result in different traits or characteristics. Homozygosity occurs when an individual inherits identical alleles from both parents for a particular gene. Thus, an organism that is homozygous for a gene will have an identical pair of alleles for that gene.
The opposite of homozygosity is called heterozygosity, which refers to the state of having two different alleles for a particular gene. Heterozygous individuals possess one copy of each allele from their parents.
Homozygosity can have various implications depending on the specific gene and alleles involved. It can lead to the expression of a certain trait or disease, especially if the alleles are dominant or recessive. Homozygosity can also increase the risk of inheriting autosomal recessive genetic disorders, as both copies of the gene will carry the same mutation or variant.
Homozygosity is typically assessed through genetic testing or by examining an organism's genotype. It plays a crucial role in studies that investigate inheritance patterns, genetic diseases, and population genetics.
Common Misspellings for HOMOZYGOSITY
- gomozygosity
- bomozygosity
- nomozygosity
- jomozygosity
- uomozygosity
- yomozygosity
- himozygosity
- hkmozygosity
- hlmozygosity
- hpmozygosity
- h0mozygosity
- h9mozygosity
- honozygosity
- hokozygosity
- hojozygosity
- homizygosity
- homkzygosity
- homlzygosity
- hompzygosity
Etymology of HOMOZYGOSITY
The word "homozygosity" is derived from two main components: "homo-" and "zygosity".
1. The prefix "homo-" comes from the Greek word "homos", meaning "same" or "like". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate similarity or sameness.
2. "Zygosity" is derived from the Greek word "zygo", which means "yoke" or "join". In genetics, it specifically refers to the condition of having two identical alleles at a particular gene locus.
Therefore, "homozygosity" refers to a state in genetics where an individual possesses two identical alleles for a specific trait or gene.
Similar spelling word for HOMOZYGOSITY
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