Heteroploid
A different chromosome number than the normal number of chromosomes. Abnormal numbers of chromosomes are associated with a number of disorders. For example, Down syndrome is the result of having three instead of two chromosome 21s.
Read Also:
- Heterosexual
A person sexually attracted to persons of the opposite sex. Or a person who has sexual relations with the opposite sex. Colloquially known as “straight.” The term “heterosexual” can also be an adjective.
- Heterosexuality
Sexuality directed toward someone of the opposite sex.
- Heterotaxy
The abnormal placement of organs due to failure to establish the normal left-right patterning during embryonic development. The morbidity (disease) and mortality (death) from heterotaxy are caused by congenital defects, especially congenital heart disease. Mutations in the zinc finger transcription factor ZIC3 cause an X-linked form of heterotaxy and have also been identified in patients […]
- Heterotopic
In the wrong place, in an abnormal place, misplaced. From the Greek roots “hetero-” meaning “other” + “topos” meaning “place” = other place. For example, heterotopic bone formation is the formation of bone where it is not normally found, as in muscle.
- Heterozygote
An individual who has two different forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent. A heterozygote for cystic fibrosis (CF) has the CF gene on one chromosome 7 and the normal paired gene on the other chromosome 7. Also known as carrier.