In genetics, what does the term 'phenotype' refer to?

The term 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, which are the expressions of its genes as influenced by both its genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental factors. This encompasses a range of characteristics such as physical appearance, behavior, biochemical properties, and physiological traits. For instance, the color of a flower, the height of a plant, or the presence of a specific enzyme in an organism are all parts of its phenotype. Understanding phenotype is crucial for studying how organisms respond to their environment and how traits are passed on through generations.

In contrast, options like the genetic makeup (genotype), combinations of alleles, and the complete genetic sequence focus on genetic information rather than on expressed traits. These concepts are essential in genetics but do not directly define phenotype, which is strictly about actual characteristics observable in an organism.