Definition
noun
A genetic condition where there is only one copy of a gene in an otherwise diploid cell or organism.
Supplement
For example, a copy of a gene that is deleted will result in hemizygosity in a diploid cell or organism. Hemizygosity is also displayed in human males where there is only one X chromosome (as the other sex chromosome is a Y chromosome). In another example, male honeybees are hemizygous as they develop from unfertilized eggs (unlike female honeybees that develop from fertilized eggs and thus have two sets of genes).
Word origin: Greek hēmi- half + zygosity.
Related forms: hemizygous (adjective)
Compare: homozygosity, heterozygosity
See also: zygosity
Dictionary > Hemizygosity
You will also like...
Genetic Control – On and Off Genes
Genes are the blueprint of our bodies, a blueprint that creates a variety of proteins essential to any organism's surviv..
Running Water Freshwater Communities
This tutorial introduces flowing water communities, which bring new and dithering factors into the equation for possible..
Chromosome Mutations – II
This tutorial is a continuation of the first lesson on chromosomal mutation. Here, find out the chromosomal aberrations ..
Biological Cell Defense
Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..
Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems
There are many environmental factors that arise due to the usage of water in one way or another and for every action tha..
Growth and Development of a Human Baby
Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..