What term is used for having two different alleles for a trait?

The term used for having two different alleles for a trait is "heterozygous." In genetics, an individual is considered heterozygous when they possess one dominant allele and one recessive allele for a given trait. This genetic condition enables a diverse expression of characteristics since the dominant allele can mask the presence of the recessive allele. For example, if we consider a trait like flower color, if one allele codes for purple flowers and the other for white flowers, the plant will typically exhibit the purple color, showcasing the dominant trait.

The term "homozygous," on the other hand, refers to having two identical alleles for a trait, which does not fit the definition of having different alleles. "Recessive" describes the relationship between alleles in which the effect of one allele is masked by the presence of a dominant allele, and "alleles" are simply different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. Thus, "heterozygous" accurately describes the condition of possessing two distinct alleles for a given trait.