Homozygote

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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]

Homozygote Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD