Which term refers to an organism with two identical copies of a gene?

Study for the Biology MYA Test with engaging resources. Dive into flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations, ensuring you're well-prepared for success.

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to an organism with two identical copies of a gene?

Explanation:
In a diploid organism, each gene exists in two copies. When those two copies are identical, the organism is homozygous for that gene. For example, having two copies of the same allele (like AA or aa) means you’re homozygous. If the two copies are different, it’s heterozygous (Aa). A carrier typically refers to someone who is heterozygous for a recessive disease allele but shows no symptoms. Codominance is a situation where both alleles are expressed in the phenotype, not about identical copies. So, two identical copies define the homozygous state.

In a diploid organism, each gene exists in two copies. When those two copies are identical, the organism is homozygous for that gene. For example, having two copies of the same allele (like AA or aa) means you’re homozygous. If the two copies are different, it’s heterozygous (Aa). A carrier typically refers to someone who is heterozygous for a recessive disease allele but shows no symptoms. Codominance is a situation where both alleles are expressed in the phenotype, not about identical copies. So, two identical copies define the homozygous state.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy