Use in clinical context
Individuals have two copies of genes on the autosomes, and females have two copies of genes on the X chromosomes. Heterozygous individuals (heterozygotes) have two different copies or alleles. Heterozygous individuals will have a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of passing each allele onto any children.
Related terms
Allele | Autosomes | Dominant allele | Gene | Recessive allele