Question

6\. The observable traits expressed by an organism are described as its ____________ a. phenotype b. genotype c. alleles d. zygote

Short answer

The observable traits expressed by an organism are described as its phenotype (option a)

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the terms

Get the meanings of the terms in the options: \n\na. Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. \n\nb. Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism. \n\nc. Alleles: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome. \n\nd. Zygote: A eukaryotic cell formed by a fertilization event between two gametes.

Matching the correct term

After understanding the terms, match the correct term that describes the observable traits. From the above definitions, it can be seen that the term phenotype fits the description.

Key concepts

Observable traits

When we talk about observable traits, we are referring to the physical characteristics that you can see in an organism. These traits can include anything from eye color in humans to flower color in plants. Observable traits are the way an organism looks and functions on the outside. These traits are an expression of the underlying genetic information, but they also represent how the organism interacts with its environment.

Observable traits can result from a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. For example, a plant might have genes for tall growth, but if it lacks sunlight, it might not reach its full height. Similarly, in humans, diet and exercise can affect traits like weight and muscle tone, even if the individual has a genetic predisposition for certain body types.

In genetics, having a set of observable traits is crucial for understanding how genes impact an organism's appearance and behavior. When studying these traits, scientists often look for patterns to identify how certain genes are expressed.

Genotype vs phenotype

The difference between genotype and phenotype is a fundamental concept in genetics. The genotype of an organism is the complete set of genes inherited from its parents. It's like the blueprint that determines what traits can potentially be expressed in an organism.

In contrast, the phenotype is all about what you can actually observe. It's the outcome of the expression of certain genes as well as environmental influences. While the genotype provides the information, the phenotype is the realized version of that information. Think of the genotype as a recipe and the phenotype as the cake that comes out of the oven.

Here are some key differences between genotype and phenotype:

• Genotype: Refers to the genetic makeup, not visible to the naked eye.
• Phenotype: Refers to visible traits influenced by the genotype and the environment.
• An organism with the same genotype can have different phenotypes if they experience different environmental conditions.
• Genotype is inherited, while phenotype is the manifestation of inherited and non-inherited factors.

Genetics vocabulary

Understanding genetics involves learning key terminology that describes how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Here are a few essential words that are commonly used in genetics discussions:

• Alleles: These are different versions of a gene that can exist at the same locus on a chromosome. Alleles account for variations in a given trait, such as different flower colors.
• Zygote: This is the cell formed when two gametes (like sperm and egg in animals) unite during fertilization. The zygote contains all the genetic information needed to develop into a new organism.
• Gene: A segment of DNA that encodes for a specific protein or function. Genes determine hereditary traits.
• Genetic Variation: The diversity in gene frequencies within a population. This variation is essential for natural selection and evolution.
• Dominant and Recessive Traits: These terms describe the way different alleles interact to produce certain phenotypes. Dominant alleles will mask the effect of recessive alleles in heterozygous pairings.

By familiarizing yourself with this vocabulary, you can gain a deeper understanding of how genetics shapes the world around us.