1. organisms that have two different alleles for a particular gene
Usage: biology; genetics

Examples

• Heterozygotes carry one dominant and one recessive allele for eye color.
• In the breeding experiment, half the offspring were heterozygotes.
• Heterozygotes for sickle cell anemia have some resistance to malaria.
• The Punnett square showed that 50% of the crosses would produce heterozygotes.
• Genetic counselors help families understand the risks when both parents are heterozygotes.
• Heterozygotes often display the dominant trait phenotypically.