What Are Homozygous Alleles? Understanding Identical Alleles BB or bb in Genetics

Learn what homozygous alleles (BB or bb) mean in genetics and how identical alleles affect trait inheritance.

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Two identical alleles, BB or bb, are called 'homozygous.' In genetics, being homozygous for a gene means that an individual has inherited the same version of a gene from both parents. This can result in consistent expression of certain traits. For example, BB might result in brown eyes if B represents the brown eye allele.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does homozygous mean in genetics? Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene, such as BB or bb.
  2. How do identical alleles affect traits? Identical alleles, when homozygous, often result in consistent expression of specific traits, depending on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive.
  3. What is the difference between BB and Bb alleles? BB represents homozygous alleles with both dominant alleles identical, while Bb is heterozygous with one dominant and one recessive allele.