Heterozygous
An organism that has two different alleles for a trait (Aa)
Heterozygous is a term used in genetics to describe an individual that has two different versions (or alleles) of a particular gene. In other words, an organism that is heterozygous for a specific gene has inherited different alleles for that gene from each of its parents.
For example, imagine that there is a gene that codes for eye color. One allele might code for blue eyes, while the other allele codes for brown eyes. If an individual inherits one allele for brown eyes from one parent and one allele for blue eyes from the other parent, then they would be considered heterozygous for the eye color gene.
In most cases, the physical characteristics of a heterozygous individual will be determined by the dominant allele. In our eye color example, brown eyes are dominant over blue eyes. Therefore, the heterozygous individual would have brown eyes, even though they have a blue-eyed allele as well.
Overall, heterozygous individuals are important in genetics because they allow for genetic variation within a population. By inheriting two different alleles for a gene, these individuals have the potential to pass on a diverse range of genes to their offspring, increasing genetic diversity within a population.
More Answers:
Recessive Genes: What You Need to Know.Dominant Genes: Patterns of Inheritance and Expression Explained
Alleles: The Role They Play in Genetics and Inheritance