What does genotype refer to in genetics?

Genotype refers specifically to the genetic constitution of an individual, which includes the alleles or variations present in the individual's DNA that contribute to their traits and characteristics. It is the underlying genetic makeup that can influence phenotype, or the observable traits, which are a result of both the genotype and environmental factors.

In the context of genetics, the term "genotype" encompasses all genetic information passed down from the parents, including both dominant and recessive alleles. This contrasts with the observable traits of an individual, the total number of chromosomes, or the physiological processes within an organism, all of which relate to other aspects of biology. Understanding genotype is crucial in fields such as genetics, evolutionary biology, and medicine, as it lays the foundation for studies related to heredity, genetic disorders, and the inheritance of traits.