Homozygous
- Pronunciation
- /hoh-mo-ZY-gus/
- Category
- Genetics
- Singular
- Homozygous
- Plural
- Homozygous
Definition
Having two identical alleles of a particular gene.
Etymology
From Greek 'homo-', meaning 'same', and 'zygous', meaning 'joined together or yoke'.
Example
A homozygous individual for the gene encoding eye color would have two identical alleles, either for blue eyes or brown eyes.