What is the term for the genetic makeup of an organism?

• A. Allele
• B. Phenotype
• C. Genotype
• D. Chromosome

Answer: (C)

The term for the genetic makeup of an organism is genotype. The genotype encompasses all the genetic information that an organism carries within its DNA, including the specific alleles for each gene. This genetic blueprint influences various traits and characteristics, but it is distinct from the physical expression of those traits, which is referred to as phenotype.

Alleles are individual versions of a gene that may differ from one another, and while they contribute to the genotype, they do not represent the entire genetic makeup. The chromosome refers to the structures within the cells that house the genes; they are the carriers of the genotype but do not define it. Therefore, the correct term specifically identifying the genetic makeup is genotype, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinction between a genotype and the observable characteristics arising from it.