zygosity
Genetic pair status
Zygosity is a genetic term describing whether paired genes or chromosomes are identical or different.
In twins, zygosity distinguishes identical twins (monozygotic, from one fertilized egg) from fraternal twins (dizygotic, from two).
The term extends to gene pairs: homozygosity means both copies are alike, heterozygosity means they differ.
Variant forms of genes
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
- locusParticular position or place
- dominantHaving superior influence
- recessiveMasked unless paired identically
codominant · chromosomes · DNA · monogenic · polygenic · diploid · haploid · polyploid
Exactly the same
- fraternalOf sibling bonds
- twinningForming identical pairs
- splittingDividing into parts
- blastocystEarly developmental stage before implantation
embryo · triplets · quadruplets · multiples · singleton · conception
Many forms, one interface
- genetic diversityAllelic variation within populations
- heterozygosityPaired unlike gene variants
- homozygosityMatching alleles at locus
- inbreedingReproduction between close relatives
alleles
Variant forms of genes
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
- locusParticular position or place
- dominantHaving superior influence
recessive · codominant · chromosomes · DNA · monogenic · polygenic · diploid · haploid · polyploid · karyotype
identical
Exactly the same
blastocyst · embryo · triplets · quadruplets · multiples · singleton · conception
polymorphism
Many forms, one interface
- genetic diversityAllelic variation within populations
- heterozygosityPaired unlike gene variants
- homozygosityMatching alleles at locus
inbreeding · outbreeding · consanguinity · gene pool · genetic drift
zygote, homozygous, dizygotic, heterozygous, monozygotic, zygospore