adjective

heterozygous

het-uh-roh-ZY-guhs

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Heterozygous (adjective) means having two different versions of a gene at the same position on a pair of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Example: “Both parents are heterozygous for the sickle cell trait, so each child has a one in four chance of inheriting the disease.”

adjective

technical Having two different versions of a gene at the same position on a pair of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent.

"Both parents are heterozygous for the sickle cell trait, so each child has a one in four chance of inheriting the disease."

"The plant is heterozygous at that locus, so its seedlings will not breed true."

How to use heterozygous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving two different versions of the same gene, one from each parent.

When to use it

Technical genetics vocabulary; standard in school biology and medical reports.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with heterogeneous, which is about mixtures, not genes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

homozygous → hemizygous heterogeneous →

Common pairings

heterozygous for heterozygous carrier compound heterozygous

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Both parents are _____ for the sickle cell trait, so each child has a one in four chance of inheriting the disease.

Etymology

From Greek heteros 'different' and zygotos 'yoked together', from zygon 'yoke'.

Origin: Greek

Antonyms

homozygous

Related words

homozygous

Rhymes for heterozygous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for heterozygous →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between heterozygous and homozygous?

Heterozygous means the two copies of a gene differ, such as one brown-eye allele and one blue-eye allele. Homozygous means both copies are identical. A heterozygous individual can pass on either version to their offspring.

Can a heterozygous person show a recessive condition?

Not usually. With one working copy of the gene they are typically healthy carriers who can pass the recessive allele on. Some conditions are the exception, either because the faulty allele is dominant or because one working copy is not enough.

What does heterozygous advantage mean?

A situation where carrying two different alleles is better for survival than carrying two of either. The classic example is sickle cell trait, where carriers gain some resistance to malaria without developing sickle cell disease.

What is the meaning of heterozygous?

"heterozygous" (adjective) means having two different versions of a gene at the same position on a pair of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent.

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