What is Homozygous?

Homozygous refers to the condition where an individual has two identical alleles for a particular gene. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can occupy the same position, or locus, on a chromosome. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. When these two alleles are the same, the individual is said to be homozygous for that gene.

Types of Homozygous

There are two types of homozygous genotypes:

1. Homozygous Dominant (BB): This occurs when an individual has two dominant alleles for a particular gene. For example, if a pea plant inherits two dominant alleles for the gene that determines flower color, it will have a homozygous dominant genotype and express the dominant trait.
2. Homozygous Recessive (bb): This occurs when an individual has two recessive alleles for a particular gene. Using the same example, if a pea plant inherits two recessive alleles for the gene that determines flower color, it will have a homozygous recessive genotype and express the recessive trait.

Phenotype and Genotype

The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, while the phenotype refers to the physical expression of the genotype. In the case of homozygous individuals, their genotype and phenotype will be the same since they have two identical alleles. This means that the physical traits they exhibit will be determined solely by the alleles they possess.

Study Guide for Homozygous:

To understand and master the concept of homozygous, it's important to:

1. Learn the difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.
2. Understand how homozygous genotypes influence the expression of traits in organisms.
3. Practice Punnett squares to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses involving homozygous parents.
4. Explore real-life examples of homozygous traits in plants, animals, and humans.

By grasping the concept of homozygous and its significance in genetics, you'll be well-prepared to tackle more complex genetic principles and applications.