Phenotype Means

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Phenotype refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an individual, which are determined by the expression of its genes. Therefore, the most appropriate option is D, which describes the observable expression of genes in an individual. A is incorrect because the number of chromosomes in an individual refers to his or her karyotype. Option B is incorrect because it refers to the DNA sequence an individual has, rather than its observable characteristics. Option C is partially correct, but it only refers to one aspect of phenotype, which is the combination of alleles, whereas phenotype comprises other factors such as environmental influences. Finally, option E is incorrect because the number of gametes is not related to phenotype.