Heterosügoot

Heterosügoot is a term used in genetics to describe an individual or genotype that has two different alleles for a particular gene. Alleles are different versions of the same gene. For example, a gene for eye color might have an allele for brown eyes and an allele for blue eyes. If an individual inherits one allele for brown eyes and one allele for blue eyes, they are heterozygous for that gene.

In contrast, an individual who has two identical alleles for a gene is described as homozygous. This means they have either two copies of the same allele or two copies of the alternative allele. For instance, someone with two alleles for brown eyes would be homozygous for brown eye color.

The concept of heterozygosity is important in understanding inheritance patterns and the expression of traits. In many cases, one allele may be dominant over the other, meaning that the trait associated with the dominant allele will be expressed even if only one copy of that allele is present. The other allele, the recessive allele, will only be expressed if the individual is homozygous for it.

Heterozygosity can also play a role in genetic diversity within a population. Individuals who are heterozygous for certain genes may have a wider range of traits or a greater ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The study of heterozygosity is fundamental to genetics and evolutionary biology.