What term describes the genetic constitution of an individual?

Prepare effectively for the ASU BIO181 General Biology I Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to boost your knowledge and readiness.

The term that describes the genetic constitution of an individual is "genotype." This refers specifically to the actual genetic makeup of an organism, including all the alleles that an organism carries, whether they are expressed or not. The genotype determines how traits are inherited and contributes to various characteristics that an individual may display.

In contrast, phenotype reflects the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are influenced both by the genotype and the environment. Alleles are the different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome but do not describe the entire genetic makeup of an individual. Trait refers to a specific characteristic, which can be influenced by the genotype but does not encompass the full genetic background or constitution of the individual. Thus, genotype is the comprehensive term that accurately describes an individual's genetic framework.

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