adjective
homozygous
hoh-moh-ZY-gus
Homozygous (adjective) means having two identical versions of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent. Example: “Both plants were homozygous for the tall allele.”
adjective
1
Having two identical versions of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.
"Both plants were homozygous for the tall allele."
"People homozygous for the variant are far more likely to develop the condition."
How to use homozygous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving two matching copies of the same gene, one from each parent.
When to use it
Technical; used in genetics, medicine and agriculture.
Memory tip
Zygous relates to the pairing of genes. Homo equals same pair, hetero equals mixed pair.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
homozygous for
homozygous dominant
homozygous recessive
homozygous twins
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Both plants were _____ for the tall allele.
Etymology
From Greek homos meaning 'same' and zygotos meaning 'yoked together'.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for homozygous
See all rhymes for homozygous →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?
Homozygous means the two copies of a gene are identical, such as AA or aa. Heterozygous means they differ, such as Aa, in which case the dominant allele usually decides the visible trait.
What does homozygous recessive mean?
It means both copies of the gene are the recessive version, written aa. Because there is no dominant copy to mask it, the recessive trait shows up in the individual.
Can you be homozygous for a disease?
Yes. For recessive conditions such as cystic fibrosis, symptoms appear only when a person carries two faulty copies. Someone with one faulty copy is a heterozygous carrier and is usually unaffected.
What is the meaning of homozygous?
"homozygous" (adjective) means having two identical versions of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.
