Which term refers to the genetic makeup of an organism?

Prepare for the HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

The term that refers to the genetic makeup of an organism is genotype. Genotype encompasses all the genetic information that an organism carries, including both the dominant and recessive alleles that can be expressed in the organism's phenotype.

While phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are influenced by the genotype as well as environmental factors, the genotype is the actual genetic blueprint. Gametes are specialized reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half of the genetic information necessary for reproduction, and alleles are the different versions of a gene that determine specific traits within the genotype.

Therefore, the correct choice, which is genotype, pinpoint the actual genetic configuration that defines an organism's inherited traits.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy