What does heterozygous mean in genetics?

Heterozygous is a term used in genetics to describe an organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene. Alleles are variants of a gene that can exist in different forms, and when an organism is heterozygous, it has one dominant allele and one recessive allele, for example. This genetic variation is significant because it can lead to different phenotypic outcomes in the organism depending on which allele is expressed.

In the context of genetic inheritance, being heterozygous plays a crucial role in the diversity of traits observed in populations. It allows for a wider range of possible traits, as the combination of different alleles can produce characteristics that are advantageous for survival and reproduction. This genetic diversity is important for the adaptability and evolution of species.

The other terms provided do not accurately represent the concept of heterozygosity. Similar alleles would indicate a homozygous condition, and mutated alleles refer to changes in a single allele, not the state of having two distinct alleles. Combined traits might suggest a blending of characteristics but does not convey the fundamental genetic concept of having different alleles for a gene. Therefore, the understanding that heterozygous refers to different alleles is essential for grasping basic principles