Which term describes having two different alleles for a specific gene?

The term that describes having two different alleles for a specific gene is "heterozygous." When an individual is heterozygous for a particular trait, it means that one allele may code for a dominant trait while the other allele codes for a recessive trait, or they may simply be different alleles that express variation in that trait. This genetic variability is crucial in understanding inheritance patterns, as heterozygosity can influence phenotypic expression and breeding outcomes.

Understanding the role of heterozygous alleles is vital in various fields, including genetics, evolution, and medicine, as it can affect genetic diversity within a population and has implications for disease susceptibility and inheritance.