17.3.2

Phenotype

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Genotype vs Phenotype

When talking about the inheritance of characteristics, we use the words genotype and phenotype:

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Genotype

  • Genotype refers to the combination of alleles an organism has.
    • If the two alleles are the same, we say that the person is homozygous (BB or bb). Breeding two identical homozygous individuals is called pure-breeding.
    • If the two alleles are different, we say that the person is heterozygous (Bb). Two heterozygous individuals breeding is not pure-breeding.
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Phenotype

  • A phenotype is an observed characteristic of an individual.
  • The phenotype is determined by the interaction between the genotype and environment.
  • Earlobes being attached or free is an example of a phenotype, where the alleles present will determine a characteristic, unless the environment interferes.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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