hemizygote Definition
an individual having only one allele of a gene in a diploid cell, typically males for genes on the X chromosome in mammals.
Using hemizygote: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hemizygote" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Since males have only one X chromosome, they are hemizygous for all genes on that chromosome and therefore express any recessive alleles that they inherit.
Example
Hemizygosity is also observed in some plants and insects.
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Summary: hemizygote in Brief
'Hemizygote' [hem-uh-zahy-goht] refers to an individual who has only one allele of a gene in a diploid cell, typically males for genes on the X chromosome in mammals. This term is used to describe the expression of recessive alleles in males, who have only one X chromosome.
