Homozygote
Homozygote
A Homozygote is an individual organism that has two identical alleles for a specific genetic trait. This can occur for any gene, including those that determine physical characteristics or those that cause certain genetic diseases.
Genetics of Homozygotes[edit | edit source]
In genetics, a homozygote is an organism that has inherited the same alleles from both parents for a particular genetic trait. This can occur in both dominant and recessive traits. If an individual is homozygous for a dominant trait, they will express that trait. If they are homozygous for a recessive trait, they will also express that trait, as there is no dominant allele to mask the recessive one.
Homozygosity and Disease[edit | edit source]
Certain genetic diseases are caused by being homozygous for a particular recessive allele. These diseases are often referred to as autosomal recessive disorders. Examples of such disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. In these cases, an individual must inherit the disease-causing allele from both parents in order to express the disease.
Homozygosity in Breeding[edit | edit source]
In animal breeding and plant breeding, homozygosity is often desirable as it can help to stabilize desirable traits within a population. However, too much homozygosity can lead to inbreeding depression, which can decrease the overall fitness of a population.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Heterozygote
- Genotype
- Phenotype
- Allele
- Dominant gene
- Recessive gene
- Autosomal recessive
- Inbreeding depression
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD