Heteroduplex is a term used in genetics to describe a segment of DNA that contains non-identical sequences. Synonyms for heteroduplex include chimeric DNA, mismatched DNA, or hybrid DNA. Heteroduplex is formed during genetic recombination, which occurs when DNA from two different sources combines, resulting in a strand of DNA containing different genetic information. Other synonyms for heteroduplex include a recombinant molecule, a hybridized DNA, or a heterozygous strand. The term heteroduplex is often used when studying genetic mutations, such as those that cause cancer or genetic disorders, and understanding its synonyms can help researchers in their analysis and diagnosis of genetic diseases.