Which prefix refers to "different"?

Prepare for the Wellstar Certified Medical Assistant CMA Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification exam!

The prefix "hetero-" specifically refers to the concept of "different" or "other." It is widely used in various scientific, medical, and academic contexts to indicate that something is unlike or dissimilar to something else. For instance, in biology, "heterozygous" describes an organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene, showcasing genetic diversity.

The other prefixes have distinct meanings that do not convey the same concept of difference. "Aniso-" denotes inequality or non-uniformity, often related to measurements or sizes but does not directly imply the broader notion of difference that "hetero-" does. "Pseudo-" indicates something that is false or not genuine, suggesting imitation rather than difference. Finally, "iso-" means equal or the same, clearly contrasting the implication of variation that "hetero-" provides. Thus, "hetero-" is the appropriate prefix to denote "different."

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy