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A phenotype (from Greek phainein, 'to show' + typos, 'type') is the composite of an organism's observable characteristics or traits: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, phenology, behavior, and products of behavior (such as a bird's nest). Phenotypes result from the expression of an organism's genes as well as the influence of environmental factors and the interactions between the two.

Genotype vs Phenotype

Genotype and phenotype are terms used to differentiate between the genetic makeup of an organism and the way it expresses itself.

A genotype refers to the actual set of genes that an organism carries inside. When these genes are expressed under observable conditions, they are called phenotypes and the expressions are called phenotypic expressions.

Wondering how they are different? After all, how can a man be different from the genes he has inherited?

The fact is, phenotypes are dependent on the genes they inherit. However, their expression is also influenced by environmental factors. The influence of the environment modifies the role that the genes play to a certain extent. The expression of the genes, modified by environmental factors, produces a phenotype.

A genotype basically determines the type of traits that a phenotype can have. For instance, the genotypic traits of an organism will determine his susceptibility to a certain disease. However, the phenotypical aspect of the organism displays observable aspects of this disease. The symptoms related to the particular aspect of the disease, the presence or even the absence of such a disease are phenotypic expression.

Let us take up another example. It is the genotypic variation between XX or XY chromosomes that create the difference between the two sexes. Once again, the differences that you see before you are phenotypic, but the reason behind them is genotypic!

Finally, every organism is a single genotype class. The only exceptions are identical twins. Even in these twins, there may be different phenotypes, though they belong to the same genotype!

In practical terms, the two terms are not used in an absolute manner. Their descriptions are used in a partial manner to explain certain characteristics in organisms.

Summary:

1. Genotype decides the genetics and inherited traits of an organism, but phenotypes refer to the actual display of these traits

2. Genotypes are decided by inherited genes, while phenotype are determined by the effect of environmental factors

3. The genotype largely determines the ultimate phenotype of an organism.

4. The more complex a biological process, the more is the effect of environmental factors on it and therefore the chances of a predominant phenotype.

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Related Questions

Which genotypes have dominant phenotypes?

The genotypes in which one or more alleles is dominant.


Can phenotypes OB produce genotypes As?

No.


Why isn't it possible to have more genotypes than phenotypes?

I think you have the question backwards, "Why isn't it possible to have more phenotypes than genotypes?" There are always more or an equal number of genotypes relative to phenotypes. The phenotype for a simple dominant/recessive interaction (for example) T for tall and t for short where TT is tall, Tt is tall and tt is short has three genotypes and two phenotypes. If T and t are co-dominant then TT would be tall, Tt would be intermediate and tt would be short. (Three phenotypes and three genotypes.)


What genotype is produced by the phenotype B?

Genotypes are not created by phenotypes, they are the alleles/genes of the organism. Genotypes (in combination with environment) produce phenotypes. It would be expected that the genotypes Bb and BB would produce the phenotype B.


Does natural selection act on genotypes?

Indirectly, yes it does. But it can only act on genotypes through their phenotypes.


How can the diagram be used to identify the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring?

The diagram can be used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring by following the inheritance patterns of the parents' traits. By analyzing the alleles passed down from each parent, one can determine the possible combinations of genotypes and corresponding phenotypes that the offspring may inherit.


What polygenic trait can have many possible genotypes and -?

Many possible genotypes, producing ,any possible phenotypes.


Why do you have more genotypes than phenotypes?

The number of possible genotypes is typically higher than the number of observable phenotypes because multiple genotypes can result in the same phenotype due to genetic variations, interactions, and environmental factors. Different combinations of genotypes and environmental influences can lead to similar outward traits, resulting in fewer distinct phenotypes than genotypes.


How are the genotype and phenotype of parents related to the genotype and phenotypes of offsprings?

The parents can pass on only the alleles of their genotypes to their offspring. Therefore, the offspring genotypes and phenotypes are dependent solely upon the alleles inherited from the parents.


Describe how phenotypes can be used to predict genotypes in a pedigree?

By observing the phenotypes of individuals in a pedigree (such as their physical characteristics or traits), one can infer the genotypes that may be responsible for those traits. By looking at patterns of inheritance within the pedigree, such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked inheritance, one can make educated guesses about the genotypes of individuals based on their observed phenotypes. However, the presence of genetic variability, incomplete penetrance, or phenocopies can complicate the prediction of genotypes solely based on phenotypic information.


What is the name of the chart that shows possible phenotypes and genotypes and genotypes?

The chart you are referring to is called a Punnett square. It is used to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring resulting from a genetic cross between two individuals.


How does a punnett square show precetages of phenotypes and geneotypes?

Punnett Squares do not directly tell you the percentages of phenotypes and genotypes, it tells you the probability of the expected genotypes. Based on the Punnett Square, you can infer about the genotypic and phenotypic ratios.