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genotype vs. phenotype

genotype vs. phenotype: What’s the difference?

The genotype of an organism is its genetic makeup—the sum of its genes. Genotype can refer to all the genes related to a specific trait or to all the genes passed down from parent to child. The phenotype of an organism is its appearance—which is influenced by both its genotype and the environment.

genotype

[ jen-uh-tahyp, jee-nuh- ]
noun
  1. the genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits.
  2. the sum total of genes transmitted from parent to offspring.

phenotype

[ fee-nuh-tahyp ]
noun
  1. the observable constitution of an organism.
  2. the appearance of an organism resulting from the interaction of the genotype and the environment.

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