key term - Homozygous

Definition

An organism is homozygous for a gene when it has two identical alleles, either both dominant or both recessive, at a specific locus on a chromosome. This genetic condition influences the organism's traits and is critical in patterns of inheritance.

Related terms

Allele:

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Genotype:

The genetic makeup of an organism in terms of its alleles and how they dictate physical and behavioral characteristics.

Phenotype:

The observable physical properties of an organism, including morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior