Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hybridization is the process of crossing two different species or varieties to produce a hybrid. In genetics, it is often used to study inheritance patterns and trait expression.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Hybridization was crucial in Mendel's experiments with pea plants to understand dominant and recessive traits.
The offspring from hybridization are called hybrids and may exhibit traits from both parent organisms.
Mendel used hybridization to formulate the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.
F1 generation hybrids (first filial generation) result from crossing two purebred parents with different traits.
In hybridization, heterozygous individuals carry two different alleles for a specific trait.
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Related terms
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism that determines its characteristics.
Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.