PHENOTYPE Meaning and
Definition
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Phenotype is a term used in biology to describe the observable characteristics or traits of an individual organism resulting from its genetic makeup and the interaction with its environment. It refers to the physical and physiological traits that can be visually observed or measured and includes features such as height, eye color, or blood type.
The phenotype is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions. While the genetic information or genotype lays the foundation for the potential expression of traits, the phenotype is the manifestation of these genes, taking into account how they interact with the individual's surroundings. Gene expression can be influenced by various factors like nutrition, exposure to toxins, disease, or external physical influences.
Understanding the phenotype is crucial in fields such as genetics and evolutionary biology, as it helps scientists study the relationship between genotype and phenotype and explore how traits are inherited or affected by environmental factors. It plays a significant role in studying genetic disorders and diseases and can provide insights into inheritance patterns, genetic variability, and natural selection.
Furthermore, the study of phenotype also extends to behavioral and physiological traits, allowing researchers to investigate the genetic and environmental factors behind various characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, or susceptibility to certain diseases. By examining and analyzing phenotypes, scientists can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between genetics and the environment.
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Noting, in heredity, all the individuals bearing the same characters.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHENOTYPE
Etymology of PHENOTYPE
The word "phenotype" comes from the combination of two Greek terms: "phainesthai" which means "to show, appear" and "typos" which means "type, pattern". The term was coined by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1911 to describe the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction between its genotype (genetic makeup) and the environment.
Similar spelling words for PHENOTYPE
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