Definition
noun
A gene in which it has no allelic counterpart or is present as only a single copy instead of the usual two copies in a diploid cell or organism.
Supplement
For example, a gene wherein one of its pair is deleted is a hemizygous gene. In another example, most of the genes of the X chromosome and Y chromosome in human males are hemizygous since males have only one X chromosome (and one Y chromosome) (unlike females that has two X chromosomes).
Word origin: Greek hēmi- half + zygous > zygote.
Dictionary > Hemizygous gene
You will also like...

Consciousness and Behavior
Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

Community Patterns
Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you..

Meiosis and Alternation of Generations
Plants are characterized by having alternation of generations in their life cycles. This tutorial is a review of plant m..

The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms
Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..

Stems
Stems primarily provide plants structural support. This tutorial includes lectures on the external form of a woody twig ..

Amphibians & Early Reptiles
Obtaining air outside an aquatic environment required species to acquire suitable adaptations, and this was the case of ..