What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?

Homozygous means there are two copies of the same allele present at a specific locus (position) on a chromosome, e.g. two copies of the allele for blue eyes. Whereas, heterozygous means there are two copies of different of different alleles present at a specific locus on a chromosome, e.g. one copy of the allele for blue eyes and one copy of the allele for brown eyes. Remember Homo = the same, Hetero = different. 

AW
Answered by Amy W. Biology tutor

11115 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the eye responds to different light levels.


What are the main differences between meiosis and mitosis?


Why should we not overprescribe and overuse antibiotics?


Explain how guard cells are specialised for their specific function


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning