Genotype Means

Question

Genotype means
A) the number of chromosomes in an individual.
B) the observable expression of the genes in an individual.
C) the genes an individual has.
D) the number of gametes in an individual.
E) the combination of alleles in an individual.

Accepted Answer

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, including the combination of alleles (variations of genes) that the individual possesses. Thus, Choice E is the best answer. Choices A, B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not fully capture the meaning of genotype. Though the number of chromosomes an individual has is relevant to genetics, it alone does not determine genotype. Similarly, observable expression of genes (phenotype) and number of gametes do not capture the full genetic makeup of an individual. Choice C is the closest of the incorrect options but does not fully capture the idea that genotype refers to the combination of alleles an individual possesses rather than simply the genes themselves.