What is Phenotype _ It’s Meaning and Definition The physical appearance or biochemical..
What is Phenotype _ It’s Meaning and Definition The physical appearance or biochemical.
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Phenotype – Meaning and Definition
Definition:
A phenotype is the observable physical traits, biochemical characteristics, or behavioral features of an organism that result from the interaction of its genetic makeup (genotype) with the environment.
Meaning:
The phenotype is what you can see or measure — such as height, eye color, blood type, leaf shape, flower color, or enzyme activity.
It is influenced by:
-
Genes (genotype) – the inherited instructions
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Environment – external factors like temperature, nutrition, etc.
Examples of Phenotypes:
| Trait | Phenotype Example | Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Eye color (human) | Brown, blue, green | Genes |
| Flower color (pea) | Purple or white | Genes + environment (e.g., pH) |
| Height (human) | Tall or short | Genes + nutrition |
| Skin color | Light to dark | Genes + sun exposure |
Phenotype vs. Genotype:
| Feature | Genotype | Phenotype |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Genetic makeup | Observable traits |
| Example | TT, Tt, or tt (for tallness) | Tall or short |
| Visibility | Not directly visible | Can be observed or measured |
Summary:
Phenotype is the physical appearance, behavior, or biochemical trait of an organism that arises from the interaction between its genetic code (genotype) and the environment.
It is what you see in an organism, shaped by both its DNA and the world around it.
Let me know if you’d like a chart or diagram comparing genotype and phenotype!
