Question

The complete genetic makeup of an organism is called its a. genus. d. genotype. b. genome. c. phenotype. c. proteome.

Short answer

The correct answer is b. Genome.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terms

First, let's understand what each term means.\n\na. Genus: A rank in the biological classification (taxonomy) that groups together closely related species.\n\nb. Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material in a cell or organism.\n\nc. Phenotype: The set of an organism's observable characteristics which are the result of the interaction of its genotype with the environment.\n\nd. Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism or the set of genes it carries.\n\ne. Proteome: The entire set of proteins expressed by a genome, cell, tissue, or organism at a certain time.

Selecting the Correct Term

Based on the given definitions, the complete genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as the 'Genome'. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'b'.

Key concepts

Genetic Makeup

The genetic makeup of an organism is essentially a blueprint that defines all of its genetic information. It encompasses the entire set of DNA, including all of the genes and non-coding sequences of the genome. All the traits that an organism can potentially pass down to its offspring through heredity are encapsulated in its genetic makeup. This intricate design is not just crucial for inheritance but also for directing the synthesis of proteins, which carry out a myriad of functions.

Understanding the genetic makeup is important in fields like genetics, medicine, and evolutionary biology. Scientists can investigate how traits are inherited and how genetic disorders are passed along, and they can use this knowledge to develop treatments against various genetic diseases.

Genotype

The term 'genotype' refers to the specific genetic constitution of an organism, essentially, the particular set of genes it carries. While the genome is the complete set of genetic material, the genotype is like a subset, focusing on specific genes of interest, often in the context of studying a particular trait. An individual's genotype plays a crucial role in defining its potential development.

For example, in humans, eye color is influenced by the genotype. Different combinations of alleles (or variants of a gene) can result in different eye colors. However, it's important to note that the genotype isn't the sole determinant of an organism's characteristics; environmental factors also interact with the genotype to produce the final phenotype.

Phenotype

The phenotype of an organism is the collection of its observable characteristics or traits, such as height, eye color, and blood type. These traits result from the expression of the organism's genotype in combination with environmental influences. The phenotype is what can actually be seen or measured in an organism.

An individual's phenotype can include physical characteristics, like those just mentioned, as well as behavioral traits and even biochemical characteristics that may not be visible to the naked eye. This term helps differentiate between what is written in the genetic code and what actually manifests in the organism, highlighting how nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) intertwine to define an individual.

Proteome

The proteome is the complete set of proteins that are produced or modified by an organism's genome. Proteins are vital to the functioning of all cells, acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, among other roles. The proteome can vary not just from one species to another, but also between different tissues within a species, and can change in response to different environmental conditions.

Studying the proteome, also known as proteomics, gives insight into how the genome is actually functioning within an organism. It can tell us how genes are being expressed, how proteins interact with each other, and what pathways are active in health and disease, providing a crucial layer of understanding beyond the genotype.

Biological Classification

Biological classification, or taxonomy, is the process of categorizing living organisms into hierarchical groups based on their physical and genetic characteristics. This system starts broad with domains and kingdoms, becoming more specific as it narrows down to phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

The classification helps researchers and students understand the relationships and commonalities between different organisms, tracing back their evolutionary paths. For instance, the classification genus groups together species that are very closely related and usually have a recent common ancestor. Part of understanding an organism's genetic makeup is knowing where it fits in the vast tree of life, which is outlined by biological classification.