Heterozygous

In genetics, the term "heterozygous" refers to an individual having two different alleles for a particular gene. Alleles are different versions of a gene that can lead to different traits or characteristics. When an organism is heterozygous for a specific gene, it means that it has inherited two different alleles for that gene, one from each parent.

Study Guide

• Definition: Heterozygous refers to an individual having two different alleles for a particular gene.
• Alleles: Alleles are different versions of a gene that can lead to different traits or characteristics.
• Inheritance: Heterozygous individuals inherit one allele from each parent, resulting in a combination of traits.
• Examples: An example of heterozygous inheritance is the gene for flower color in pea plants, where the alleles for purple and white flowers can result in a heterozygous individual with purple flowers.
• Punnett Square: Heterozygous crosses can be represented using a Punnett square to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.

Understanding the concept of heterozygous inheritance is important in genetics and can help in predicting the traits of offspring in different organisms.