How Do You Spell CRYPTOZYGOUS?

1. Cryptozygous is a scientific term that is derived from the combination of two words: crypto and zygous. The term crypto itself is derived from the Greek word "kryptos" which means hidden or secret. The word zygous, on the other hand, comes from the Greek "zygos" which means yoke or pair.

   In biology, the term cryptozygous refers to the phenomenon where the genetic composition or expression of an organism remains hidden or undetectable by standard methods. It is used to describe a genetic trait or a combination of alleles that are not readily observable or distinguishable in an individual through traditional methods of analysis.

   Cryptozygosity can occur due to various biological factors such as recessive traits, gene mutations, or epigenetic modifications. In such cases, individuals may carry the genetic information or trait but do not exhibit any phenotypic characteristics related to it.

   This concept is particularly significant in the domain of genetics and evolutionary biology as it helps to explain the occurrence and transmission of certain traits or diseases that are seemingly absent within a population but may reappear in subsequent generations. By understanding the concept of cryptozygous alleles, scientists can delve into the underlying mechanisms responsible for the inheritance patterns of specific genetic traits or diseases.

2. Having a narrow face as compared with the width of the cranium, so that, when the skull is viewed from above, the zygomatic arches are not visible.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CRYPTOZYGOUS