homozygote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “homozygote” mean?
An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.
In genetics, an individual whose genotype for a specific trait consists of two identical alleles (either both dominant or both recessive), resulting in uniform expression of that trait in offspring when self-crossed or crossed with another identical homozygote.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “homozygote” in a Sentence
homozygote for [gene/trait]homozygote with respect to [allele]a [dominant/recessive] homozygoteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homozygote” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The homozygote plants were all tall.
- A homozygote state for that mutation is rare.
American English
- The homozygote mice showed the trait uniformly.
- A homozygote condition was confirmed by testing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in genetics, biology, and medical textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in genetics, agriculture (selective breeding), and medical genetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homozygote”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homozygote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homozygote”
- Misspelling as 'homozigote' or 'homozygous' (which is the adjective).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to homozygote').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A homozygote has two identical alleles for a gene, while a heterozygote has two different alleles.
Yes, if it carries two copies of the recessive allele (recessive homozygote), the recessive trait will be expressed.
It is primarily a noun. The adjective form is 'homozygous'.
It is most common in genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, agriculture, and medical genetics.
An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Homozygote is usually technical/scientific in register.
Homozygote: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒmə(ʊ)ˈzaɪɡəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊməˈzaɪɡoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HOMO' (same) + 'ZYGOTE' (fertilised egg) = an organism with two identical gene versions from the start.
Conceptual Metaphor
A genetic 'purebred' (like a dog breed that always looks the same).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a homozygote?