Biology

Confusing Genotype and Phenotype

Using genotype to mean the visible trait, or phenotype to mean the gene combination.

Quick check

Why students make it

Both terms describe an organism's traits and sound similar, so their meanings get swapped.

The rule done right

Genotype is the set of alleles an organism carries, like BbBb. Phenotype is the observable trait those alleles produce, like brown eyes.

Related resources

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