Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genotype and phenotype are closely related as part of an organism's genetics. Genotype is the inner genetic information that determines the outward appearance, or phenotype.

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism. It is responsible for inherited genetic information. Each individual, except for identical twins, has their own genotype. Genotype is carried on two alleles in the cell, one from each parent, which can be the same or different. In sexual reproduction, the parents' genotypes contribute to the child's genetic makeup.

Phenotype is the observable traits of an organism that result from their genotype. Traits such as hair color or the ability to roll your tongue are part of an individual's phenotype. It includes characteristics such as size, shape, color, and behavior. Phenotype is affected by environment and can change over time.

Phenotype is dependent on genotype. It is the outward, observable expression of genotype.