Which term describes the combination of alleles an individual has for a trait?

Which term describes the combination of alleles an individual has for a trait?

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

Answer: (C)

The combination of alleles an individual has for a trait is called the genotype. Alleles are the different forms of a gene, and most organisms carry two copies of each gene (one from each parent). The genotype refers to which alleles are present, such as combinations like AA, Aa, or aa for a trait with two common variants. The phenotype is the observable trait that results from the genotype and may be influenced by the environment. A gene is a unit of heredity, and an allele is a variant form of that gene. So, the genotype specifically describes the genetic makeup—the allelic combination—behind the trait.

The combination of alleles an individual has for a trait is called the genotype. Alleles are the different forms of a gene, and most organisms carry two copies of each gene (one from each parent). The genotype refers to which alleles are present, such as combinations like AA, Aa, or aa for a trait with two common variants. The phenotype is the observable trait that results from the genotype and may be influenced by the environment. A gene is a unit of heredity, and an allele is a variant form of that gene. So, the genotype specifically describes the genetic makeup—the allelic combination—behind the trait.