The term phenotype refers to:
A) a dominant gene found only on the X chromosome.
B) a computer-enhanced image of the chromosomal makeup of a single organism.
C) the observable characteristics of an organism as determined by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
D) the complete set of genes that an organism has inherited.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism as determined by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. It is the physical expression of an individual’s genetic code, which can be influenced by environmental factors. Option A is incorrect because a dominant gene is a specific type of gene that is not relevant to the definition of phenotype. Option B is incorrect because it refers to karyotype, not phenotype. Option D is incorrect because it refers to genotype, which is the complete set of genes an individual possesses, but not the observable traits.

The Term Phenotype Refers To