Question

Differentiate between genotype and phenotype.

Differentiate between the following:

Genotype and Phenotype

Answer 1

	Genotype	Phenotype
1.	It designates the genetic constitution of an individual, which determines the characters. Individuals of the same genotype interbreed and have the same phenotype if they are present in the same environment.	It designates the external appearance of an individual. Individuals of the same phenotype may appear alike but may not interbreed if genetically different.
2.	Genotypes cannot be seen but can be found out by modern techniques like DNA fingerprinting.	Phenotypes can be observed directly in an individual.
3.	Individuals possessing the same genotype usually have the same phenotypic expression.	Individuals who look alike, i.e., have the same phenotype, may or may not have the same genotype.
4.	The genotypic ratio obtained in the F2 generation of a monohybrid cross is 1 : 2 : 1.	In the F2 generation of a monohybrid cross, the phenotypic ratio is 3 : 1.