When an individual possesses 1 dominant allele and 1 recessive allele, it is said to be heterozygous. Here's why:
1. Heterozygous individuals have two different alleles for a particular gene, with one dominant and one recessive allele. In this case, the dominant allele will determine the individual's phenotype, or physical characteristics, while the recessive allele remains hidden.
2. The term "heterozygote" or "heterozygous" is used to describe this genetic condition where an individual carries two different alleles for a specific trait.
3. In the given scenario, the individual with 1 dominant and 1 recessive allele will exhibit the dominant trait, as the dominant allele overrides the expression of the recessive allele.
Therefore, when an individual possesses 1 dominant allele and 1 recessive allele, they are referred to as heterozygous for that particular gene. This genetic condition demonstrates the interaction between dominant and recessive alleles in determining an individual's traits.
