If an organism has two identical alleles for a gene, what is that genotype called?

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Study for the 9th Grade Biology SOL Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If an organism has two identical alleles for a gene, what is that genotype called?

Explanation:
Having two identical alleles for a gene means the organism is homozygous for that gene. In a diploid organism there are two copies of each gene, and when those two copies are the same allele (for example, both dominant or both recessive), the genotype is homozygous. The two identical alleles can be either both dominant (homozygous dominant) or both recessive (homozygous recessive). If the two alleles are different (one dominant, one recessive), that’s heterozygous. Hemizygous describes having only one allele for a gene, which isn’t the situation here.

Having two identical alleles for a gene means the organism is homozygous for that gene. In a diploid organism there are two copies of each gene, and when those two copies are the same allele (for example, both dominant or both recessive), the genotype is homozygous. The two identical alleles can be either both dominant (homozygous dominant) or both recessive (homozygous recessive). If the two alleles are different (one dominant, one recessive), that’s heterozygous. Hemizygous describes having only one allele for a gene, which isn’t the situation here.

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