What is Heterozygous?
Heterozygous is a term used in genetics to describe an individual who has two different alleles for a particular trait. In simpler terms, it means having different versions of a gene on each of the pair of chromosomes in a cell.
Examples of Heterozygous Traits
- Eye color: A person with one allele for brown eyes and one allele for blue eyes is considered heterozygous for eye color.
- Sickle cell anemia: Heterozygous individuals carry one copy of the sickle cell gene and one normal gene, which provides some protection against malaria.
Case Studies
In a study of cystic fibrosis, researchers found that being heterozygous for the disease can provide protection against tuberculosis.
Statistics on Heterozygosity
Approximately 1 in 10 people are carriers for a genetic disorder, meaning they are heterozygous for that particular trait.
Conclusion
Understanding heterozygous definition is crucial in the field of genetics as it plays a significant role in determining an individual’s traits and susceptibility to certain diseases.
