Phenotype

The term "phenotype" refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, which are the result of both genetic and environmental influences. These characteristics can include traits such as hair color, eye color, height, and other physical features.

Phenotype is the product of an organism's genetic makeup, or genotype, and the interaction of those genes with the environment. While the genotype provides the genetic instructions for the development of an organism, the phenotype is what is actually expressed or exhibited.

It's important to note that the phenotype of an organism can be influenced by various environmental factors, including diet, exposure to sunlight, and other external influences. This means that while an organism's genotype sets the potential range of its phenotypic expression, environmental factors can also play a significant role in determining the actual characteristics that are observed.

Study Guide

1. What is phenotype?

Phenotype refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, which are the result of both genetic and environmental influences.

2. How is phenotype related to genotype?

Phenotype is the product of an organism's genetic makeup, or genotype, and the interaction of those genes with the environment. The genotype provides the genetic instructions for the development of an organism, while the phenotype is what is actually expressed or exhibited.

3. Give an example of a phenotype.

An example of a phenotype is eye color. The actual color of a person's eyes is an observable characteristic that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

4. How can environmental factors influence phenotype?

Environmental factors such as diet, exposure to sunlight, and other external influences can play a significant role in determining the actual characteristics that are observed in an organism's phenotype, in addition to the genetic makeup.