What does "genotype" refer to in genetics?

In genetics, the term "genotype" refers to the total hereditary information present in an individual. This encompasses all of the genetic material inherited from both parents, including the alleles that may contribute to various traits. A genotype can be represented by combinations of alleles for specific genes and is crucial for determining an individual's potential characteristics, even though it may not always be visible in the phenotype, which is the physical manifestation of those traits.

Understanding genotype is foundational in studying genetics because it provides insight into how traits are inherited and expressed. It contrasts with the observable traits an individual presents, which are influenced not only by genotype but also by environmental factors. The concept of genotype plays a critical role in fields like genetic counseling, agriculture, and evolutionary biology, as it helps explain variations within populations.

It is important to distinguish genotype from other concepts, such as the physical appearance of an individual or the specific number of chromosomes, which relate more to phenotypic expression and chromosomal structure rather than the overarching hereditary information contained in the genotype.