The primary difference between genotype and phenotype is that genotype is an organism’s genetic makeup, while phenotype is the observable physical and behavioral traits resulting from the interaction of genes and the environment.
What is genotype?
A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, including the combination of alleles (gene variants) that determine specific traits. It’s an individual’s genetic information that may or may not be expressed in their physical characteristics.
What is phenotype?
A phenotype refers to the observable physical, behavioral, and physiological characteristics of an organism. It’s influenced by both genetic factors (genotype) and environmental factors. Phenotypes can encompass traits like hair color, height, eye shape, and even behaviors like intelligence or temperament.
Genotype Vs phenotype:
The basic difference between genotype and phenotype is given below:
| Aspect | Genotype | Phenotype |
| Definition | Includes physical and behavioral characteristics | Observable traits of an organism |
| Composition | Comprises alleles (gene variants) | Includes physical and behavioural characteristics |
| Role | Determines potential traits | Reflects expressed traits |
| Influence | Influences phenotype but not all alleles are expressed | Directly shapes observable characteristics |
| Examples | Homozygous dominant, heterozygous, homozygous recessive | Can be analyzed through DNA sequencing |
| Inheritance | Passed from parent to offspring | Result of genotype-environment interaction |
| Variation | Can have variations due to different alleles | Shows diversity within a population |
| Genetic Testing | Can be analysed through DNA sequencing | Observations and measurements are used |