What describes a homozygous organism?

Study for the Mississippi MAAP Biology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A homozygous organism is characterized by having two identical alleles for a specific trait, which aligns perfectly with the option stating that there are two of the same alleles for that trait. This means that both alleles inherited from the parents are either dominant or recessive, leading to a consistent expression of that trait in the organism's phenotype.

In genetics, homozygosity is important because it can determine the likelihood of certain traits being expressed. For instance, if an organism is homozygous for a dominant allele, that dominant trait will invariably be exhibited in the phenotype. Conversely, if it is homozygous for a recessive allele, the recessive trait will be expressed as well.

The other descriptions do not accurately represent homozygosity; the first suggests a heterozygous condition with two different alleles, while the third pertains to dominance of traits without specifying allele identity. The last choice incorrectly implies that only recessive traits can be present, ignoring the possibilities of dominant traits in homozygous conditions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy