What does genotype refer to?

Genotype refers to the sum total of inherited genes that an organism possesses. It represents the genetic makeup of an individual, encompassing the specific alleles and genetic variations that contribute to traits and characteristics. This genetic information is foundational, determining the potential phenotypic expression of traits but not directly portraying how those traits are expressed in an organism’s observable characteristics.

Understanding the genotype is crucial because it forms the basis for genetic diversity within populations and influences various biological aspects, including health predispositions, behavior, and development. While environmental factors can interact with the genotype to influence phenotypic expression, genotype itself is strictly about the inherited genetic material.