Heterozygous (adjective)

Having two different versions of a particular gene, one from each parent.

Origin:

From hetero- meaning different and -zygous meaning having a pair of, referring to having two different versions of a gene.

Examples:

1. The offspring from the cross-breeding of two pure-bred parents were heterozygous for the gene that determined flower color.
2. The genetic test revealed that the patient was heterozygous for the gene associated with a higher risk of developing the disease.
3. The heterozygous condition for the gene was found to increase the risk of developing certain disorders.
4. The population of the species was found to be largely heterozygous for several genes, suggesting a high degree of genetic diversity.
5. The heterozygous state for the gene was associated with a more mild form of the disease compared to the homozygous state.