What is the Difference Between Genotype and Phenotype?

The difference between genotype and phenotype lies in the distinction between an organism's genetic makeup and the observable expression of that genetic makeup. Here are the key differences:

• Genotype: An individual's genotype is their unique sequence of DNA, specifically the two forms they have inherited from their mother and father for a particular gene. The genotype is the combination of alleles that an individual possesses for a specific gene.
• Phenotype: An individual's phenotype is the sum of their observable characteristics or traits. The phenotype is the observable expression of an individual's genotype, resulting from the interaction between their genotype and their environment.

While genotype is directly inherited from an organism's parents, phenotype is merely influenced by genotype. Environmental factors can also affect phenotype. The relationship between genotype and phenotype is not always clear-cut, and the phenotype of people with a given genetic condition may vary greatly even within families. Some reasons for this disparity include reduced penetrance and variable expressivity, which are not well understood.

Comparative Table: Genotype vs Phenotype

Here is a table summarizing the differences between genotype and phenotype:

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, consisting of both expressed and non-expressed alleles. In contrast, phenotype refers to the observable traits of an organism, such as physical form, structure, development, biological and physiological properties, and the products of the organism. While genotype is inherited from the organism's parents, phenotype is not directly inherited but rather influenced by the genotype and affected by environmental factors.