tetragametic individual

genetics

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

A tetragametic individual is an organism that contains at least two different sets of DNA, typically resulting from the fusion of two zygotes (fertilized eggs). This means the individual originates from four gametes (sex cells).1

Unlike mosaics, which have cells from a single zygote, or hybrids from different species, tetragametic individuals have cells derived from multiple zygotes. Indications can include varied eye color or skin pigmentation, though often there are no visible signs and the condition is found through genetic analysis. This phenomenon is a type of chimera in genetics.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

chimera
… fuse together, producing a so-called tetragametic individual—an individual originating from four gametes, or sex cells. (Under normal circumstances, in the absence of zygote fusion, two fertilized eggs result in the production of dizygotic, or fraternal, twins.) Dispermic chimerism can also occur when a zygote fuses with a fertilized polar body…
Read More
… fuse together, producing a so-called tetragametic individual—an individual originating from four gametes, or sex cells. (Under normal circumstances, in the absence of zygote fusion, two fertilized eggs result in the production of dizygotic, or fraternal, twins.) Dispermic chimerism can also occur when a zygote fuses with a fertilized polar body…
Read More