What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while the phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics.

The genotype of an organism is the set of genes it carries, which are inherited from its parents. These genes are located on chromosomes and are responsible for different traits such as eye colour, hair colour, height, and many others. Each gene has different forms, known as alleles, which can be either dominant or recessive. The combination of these alleles determines the genotype of an organism.

On the other hand, the phenotype of an organism is the physical expression or characteristics of that genotype. It's what we can observe or measure in an organism, such as its height, colour, shape, and behaviour. The phenotype is determined by the interaction of the genotype with the environment. For example, a plant's genotype may have the potential to grow very tall, but if it doesn't receive enough sunlight or nutrients, its actual height (phenotype) may be much shorter.

It's important to note that while the genotype remains the same throughout an organism's life, the phenotype can change. For instance, a person's genotype may predispose them to have blue eyes, but if they wear coloured contact lenses, their observable eye colour (phenotype) can change.

In summary, the genotype and phenotype are closely related concepts in genetics. The genotype is the genetic blueprint that determines the potential traits an organism can have, while the phenotype is the actual expression of these traits, influenced by both the genotype and environmental factors.