What are Genotypes and Phenotypes? How do they relate to each other?
A Genotype is the genetic make up or "internally coded, inheritable information" of a cell, organism or beings trait or set of traits. It is the complete amount of genes transmitted from the parent to the offspring. It can be looked at as a blue print or set of instructions for each living creature. It determines eye color, height, size, hair, etc. Genotypes control everything and are involved with all aspects of life of a cell or organism.
A Phenotype is the physical outcome of the organism, the sum of all atoms, molecules and macromolecules. They are anything that is part of the observable structure, function or behavior of a living organism. They are the outcome of an organisms genotypes.
They relate because the Genotype codes for the Phenotype. This meaning that without the genotype to be the code or instructions, the cell would not be able to interpret and produce the phenotype or outward appearance of the organism. So, without genotypes there would be no differences in the way every organism looked or functioned.
No comments:
Post a Comment