What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

The distinction between genotype and phenotype is fundamental in genetics. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing the specific alleles and genes inherited from its parents. This genetic composition determines the potential characteristics of the organism but is not always directly observable.

In contrast, phenotype refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an organism, which can include physical attributes such as height, color, and morphology, as well as behavior and biochemical properties. The phenotype is the expression of the genotype in conjunction with environmental influences.

Understanding this difference is key to genetics because the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes due to environmental factors, while the phenotype provides the tangible evidence of genetic variation in a population. This concept is essential for studies in heredity, evolution, and biology as a whole.