Question

Define genotype and phenotype, Describe how they are related and how alleles fit into your definitions.

Short answer

Answer: An individual's phenotype is determined by the interaction between their genotype and their environment. In other words, it is the expression of their genetic makeup (encoded in their DNA), influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, nutrition, and exposure to sunlight.

Step-by-step solution

Define Genotype

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, particularly the combination of alleles for a specific gene or set of genes present in an individual. In simpler terms, it is the "blueprint" of an organism's traits encoded in its DNA.

Define Phenotype

Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an individual, resulting from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. It includes an organism's appearance, behavior, and other observable traits.

Define Allele

An allele is a variant form of a gene that determines different characteristics or traits. Each gene has two alleles, one inherited from each parent. The combination of the two alleles results in the expression of a specific trait in the individual.

Alleles and their relation to Genotype and Phenotype

Alleles play a crucial role in determining the genotype and phenotype of an individual. The genotype is the combination of alleles for a specific gene, while the phenotype is the expression of these alleles. In other words, the genotype is the genetic code behind a trait, while the phenotype is the actualization of that code as an observable characteristic.

Relationship between Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype and phenotype are related because the genotype determines the potential traits an organism can possess, while the phenotype represents the actual traits that are expressed. The relationship between genotype and phenotype is not always direct; environmental factors can influence the expression of certain traits. This means that even with the same genotype, two individuals may exhibit different phenotypes due to differences in environmental conditions.