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

11106 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is it becoming more difficult to treat bacterial infections with antibiotics?


Name 3 barriers against infection


What are the four chambers of the heart?


Describe how different environmental factors affect the direction of root and shoot growth in plants. You should refer to the role of plant hormones.


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