In genetics, which term describes a pair of identical alleles?

In genetics, which term describes a pair of identical alleles?

• A. Heterozygous
• B. Genotype
• C. Homozygous
• D. Phenotype

Answer: (C)

Two identical alleles for a gene are described as homozygous. In genetics, you inherit one allele from each parent, and when those two copies are the same, the organism is homozygous for that gene. If the two alleles differ, the organism is heterozygous. The term genotype refers to the actual allelic makeup (both alleles), while phenotype is the observable trait that results from that genotype. So the pairing of identical alleles fits the definition of homozygous, whether those alleles are both dominant (like AA) or both recessive (like aa).

Two identical alleles for a gene are described as homozygous. In genetics, you inherit one allele from each parent, and when those two copies are the same, the organism is homozygous for that gene. If the two alleles differ, the organism is heterozygous. The term genotype refers to the actual allelic makeup (both alleles), while phenotype is the observable trait that results from that genotype. So the pairing of identical alleles fits the definition of homozygous, whether those alleles are both dominant (like AA) or both recessive (like aa).