Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 3

What is the relationship between an individual's genotype and a phenotype?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The relationship between genotype and phenotype can be summarized as follows: The genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual, containing the genetic information for various traits, while the phenotype is the visible expression of these traits as a result of the interaction between the genotype and the environment. In other words, genotype provides the genetic information and serves as the basis for the development of the phenotype, which is the physical, biochemical, or behavioral expression of an individual's genotype.

Step by step solution

01

1. Define Genotype

Genotype refers to the combination of genes that an individual has in their cells. These genes store genetic information and determine various traits and characteristics of the individual. In simpler terms, genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, present within its DNA.
02

2. Define Phenotype

Phenotype is the observable physical, biochemical or behavioral traits of an individual, which are determined by the genotype. The phenotype is basically the manifestation of the genotype, showcasing the individual's traits, such as eye color, hair color, and height.
03

3. The Role of Genes

Genes play an essential role in determining the phenotypes of individuals. It is the interaction of genes (genotype) with the environment that produces the individual's phenotype. A single trait or characteristic often involves multiple genes. Moreover, some traits may also be affected by the environment, such as an individual's height or body weight.
04

4. Interaction with Environment

While genotype is responsible for providing the genetic blueprint of an individual, the interaction between these genes and the environment shapes the development of the individual's phenotype. For example, a person may have a genetic predisposition to being taller, but if they are deprived of proper nutrition during their growing years, they may not reach their full height potential.
05

5. The Relationship Between Genotype and Phenotype

The relationship between genotype and phenotype can be summarized as follows: - The genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual, containing the genetic information for various traits. - The phenotype is the visible expression of these traits as a result of the interaction between the genotype and the environment. In conclusion, the genotype provides the genetic information and serves as the basis for the development of the phenotype. Phenotypes are the physical, biochemical, or behavioral expressions of an individual's genotype.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Why are small populations more prone to variations in allele frequency from generation to generation as a result of genetic drift than are large populations?

David Reznick, an ecologist at the University of California at Riverside, studied the process of natural selection in populations of guppies (small freshwater fish) on the island of Trinidad. Reznick found that populations at lower elevations face the assault of predatory fish, whereas the populations at higher elevations live in peace because few predators can move upstream past the waterfalls. The average size of individuals in the higher-elevation waters is larger than the average size of guppies in the lower-elevation populations. Reznick hypothesized that the smaller size of individuals in the lower-elevation populations was a result of increased rates of predation on larger individuals; in effect, predation was selecting for smaller individuals in the population. To test this hypothesis, Reznick moved individuals from the lower elevations to unoccupied pools upstream, where predation was not a factor. Eleven years in these conditions produced a population of individuals that were on average larger than the individuals of the downstream populations. Is the study by Reznick an example of natural selection (does it meet the necessary conditions)? If so, what type of selection does it represent (directional, stabilizing, or disruptive)? Can you think of any alternative hypotheses to explain why the average size of individuals may have shifted through time as a result of moving the population to the upstream (higher-elevation) environment?

What is phenotypic plasticity?

If the phenotype trait of an \(A a\) heterozygous individual is the same as that of an \(A A\) homozygous individual, which allele is recessive?

Why is natural selection the only process that can result in adaptation?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Energy Resources

Read Explanation

Pollution

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free