Definition of Homozygote
Homozygote: A person who has two identical forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.
For example, a girl who is a homozygote for cystic fibrosis (CF) received the cystic fibrosis gene from both of her parents and therefore has cystic fibrosis.
The opposite of a homozygote is a heterozygote, a person who has two different forms of a particular gene. For example, the father and mother of a cystic fibrosis child are heterozygotes for cystic fibrosis (CF). Each carries one normal gene and one cystic fibrosis gene but has no signs or symptoms of the disease.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12729
Last Editorial Review: 9/20/2012
Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter
Medical Dictionary Term:
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
Updated & New
