What is a genotype?

The concept of a genotype refers specifically to the genetic makeup of an organism, which encompasses the combination of alleles inherited from both parents. This genetic information is crucial because it determines various traits and characteristics that can be expressed in an organism.

When discussing genotypes, it's important to distinguish them from phenotypes, which represent the observable traits or characteristics (like height, color, etc.) that may result from the genotype. The genotype essentially serves as the underlying blueprint that influences the phenotype.

Moreover, while mutations in genes and the functions of genes are significant topics in genetics, they do not define what a genotype is. A specific mutation might alter a particular trait but does not change the foundational meaning of genotype itself. Similarly, the function of a gene relates more to its role in biological processes rather than its genetic composition.

Thus, the understanding of genotype as the specific combination of alleles inherited from parents is fundamental in genetics, providing insight into inheritance and variation within populations.