What is an individual’s genetic makeup known as?
A.
Genotype.
B.
Chromotype.
C.
Phenotype.
D.
Karyotype.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. Genotype.
Explanation:
An individual’s genetic makeup is referred to as their genotype. This term represents the set of genes an individual possesses, which determine their inherited traits. The genotype encompasses the specific alleles (versions of a gene) that an individual has for various genes, and it plays a crucial role in determining the individual’s potential for expressing certain traits.
Key Points:
- Genotype: This term is used to describe the complete set of genetic material (alleles) an individual inherits from their parents. It is a genetic blueprint that dictates the potential for various traits and can include dominant and recessive alleles. For example, if we consider a gene that affects eye color, the genotype may include alleles for blue or brown eyes. The specific combination of these alleles will contribute to the individual’s overall genetic makeup.
- Phenotype: While the genotype refers to the genetic composition, the phenotype is the observable expression of these genes. It includes physical traits, biochemical properties, and behaviors. For example, the genotype may indicate the potential for blue eyes, but the phenotype is the actual blue eyes observed in the individual.
- Karyotype: The karyotype refers to the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. It is a way of organizing chromosomes based on size, shape, and number. While it provides information about chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), it does not provide detailed genetic information about specific genes or alleles.
- Chromotype: The term chromotype is not a standard term used in genetics. The correct terminology in genetics for describing an individual’s genetic composition is genotype.
In summary, the genotype represents the entire genetic blueprint of an individual, while the phenotype represents the observable traits resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. The karyotype provides information about the number and structure of chromosomes but is not specific to individual genes.