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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best defines the term 'genotype'?
A
The observable physical and physiological traits of an organism
B
The set of environmental factors that influence an organism's development
C
The process by which genetic information is translated into proteins
D
The genetic makeup of an organism, including all of its genes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'genotype'. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, including all of its genes. It is the complete set of genetic information encoded in the DNA of an organism.
Step 2: Differentiate 'genotype' from 'phenotype'. While genotype is the genetic blueprint, phenotype refers to the observable physical and physiological traits of an organism, which result from the interaction of the genotype with the environment.
Step 3: Exclude the incorrect options. The observable traits (phenotype), environmental factors influencing development, and the process of translating genetic information into proteins (gene expression) are distinct concepts and do not define 'genotype'.
Step 4: Confirm the correct definition. The correct answer is: 'The genetic makeup of an organism, including all of its genes.' This definition aligns with the biological understanding of genotype.
Step 5: Relate the concept to real-world examples. For instance, the genotype of a pea plant might include genes for flower color, while the phenotype would be the actual color of the flowers (e.g., purple or white).