Definition: Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a single trait.
Related Terms: Allele, Genes, Homozygous
Related Terms: Allele, Genes, Homozygous
Examples: The gene for seed shape in pea plants exists in two forms, one form or allele for round seed shape (R) and the other for wrinkled seed shape (r). A heterozygous plant would contain the following alleles for seed shape: (Rr).
Organisms have two alleles for each trait. When the alleles of a pair are heterozygous, one is dominant and the other is recessive. Using the previous example, round seed shape (R) is dominant and wrinkled seed shape (r) is recessive. Round: (RR) or (Rr), Wrinkled: (rr).
Related Resources: Chromosomes and Gender, Law of Segregation, Independent Assortment
Organisms have two alleles for each trait. When the alleles of a pair are heterozygous, one is dominant and the other is recessive. Using the previous example, round seed shape (R) is dominant and wrinkled seed shape (r) is recessive. Round: (RR) or (Rr), Wrinkled: (rr).
Related Resources: Chromosomes and Gender, Law of Segregation, Independent Assortment
