Genotype and Phenotype

Dr. Foster: ‘Correct! Phenotype refers to the observable trait—like freckles or skin tone—while genotype represents the individual’s underlying genetic composition. Remember that you typically need two alleles for a characteristic to be expressed. Now, I know some of you are wondering if ‘dominant’ and ‘recessive’ are the same as genotype and phenotype.’

Alice: ‘Right, we’ve been using these words interchangeably. But I suspect that genotype, phenotype, dominant, and recessive aren’t quite the same.’

Dr. Foster: ‘Precisely. To clarify, take a look at these three statements and decide which one best explains dominant and recessive behavior.’

Answer 1:
‘Dominant is the allele that determines the phenotype of a characteristic even when paired with the same or different allele in the individual. Recessive has no effect on the phenotype when paired with a dominant allele because it remains hidden in that scenario.’

Answer 2:
‘Recessive is the allele that determines the phenotype of a characteristic even when paired with the same or different allele in the individual. Dominant has no effect on the phenotype when paired with a dominant allele because it remains hidden.’

Answer 3:
‘Dominant is the allele that determines the phenotype of a characteristic even when paired with the same or different allele in the individual. Recessive has no effect on the phenotype when paired with a recessive allele, as it remains hidden in the genetic makeup.’