heterozygosis

/ˌhɛtərəzaɪˈɡoʊsɪs/
noun
  1. The condition of having two different alleles at a specific gene locus on a pair of chromosomes.
    • In pea plants, heterozygosis for flower color results in a mix of dominant and recessive traits.
    • Heterozygosis for the sickle cell trait can provide some protection against malaria.
    • The genetic counselor explained how heterozygosis affects the likelihood of passing on certain conditions.
Antonyms