homozygous /hō′məzī″gəs/ [Gk, homos + zygon, yoke] , having two identical alleles at corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes. An individual who is homozygous for a trait has inherited from each parent one allele for that trait. A person who is homozygous for a genetic disease caused by a pair of recessive alleles, such as sickle cell anemia, manifests the disorder. All of his or her offspring will inherit the allele for the disease. Compare heterozygous.
