Question

identify the statement that defines an individual who is heterozygous for a gene.
an individual inherits two of the same allele for a gene.
an individual inherits two different alleles for a gene.
an individual inherits no alleles for a gene.
an individual inherits three alleles for a gene.
an individual inherits two recessive alleles for a gene.

Explanation:

In genetics, the term "heterozygous" refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene. Let's analyze each option:

• "An individual inherits two of the same allele for a gene" describes a homozygous individual.
• "An individual inherits no alleles for a gene" is not biologically possible as genes have alleles.
• "An individual inherits three alleles for a gene" is incorrect as diploid organisms (like humans) typically have two alleles per gene.
• "An individual inherits two recessive alleles for a gene" is a specific case of homozygous (homozygous recessive), not heterozygous.

Answer:

An individual inherits two different alleles for a gene.