Resources

List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

genotype

A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, individual, or cell. It represents the specific combination of genes or alleles that an organism carries in its DNA. Genotype is responsible for an organism's unique genetic characteristics and can determine traits, predispositions to certain diseases, and other genetic features.

Key points about genotypes include:

1. Alleles: Genes come in pairs, with one allele inherited from each parent. The combination of alleles an individual possesses at a specific genetic locus is their genotype.

2. Homozygous and Heterozygous: An individual can have a homozygous genotype if they have two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., "AA" or "aa"). A heterozygous genotype means they have two different alleles for that gene (e.g., "Aa").

3. Phenotype: While genotype refers to the genetic information an organism carries, phenotype is the observable physical or functional expression of those genes. Phenotype results from the interaction of an organism's genotype with its environment.

4. Mendelian Genetics: Genotype plays a central role in Mendelian genetics, as it determines the inheritance of traits in offspring. The genotype of the parents can predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of their offspring.

5. Genotype and Environment: An organism's phenotype is influenced not only by its genotype but also by environmental factors. Environmental conditions can affect gene expression and the manifestation of traits.

Genotypes are fundamental to understanding genetics and heredity. They are often represented using letters or symbols to denote specific alleles at a genetic locus, such as "Aa" for a heterozygous genotype. Genotype information is crucial for genetic research, breeding programs, and the study of inherited diseases. It helps researchers predict and understand the inheritance patterns of genes and their impact on an organism's characteristics.

Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Cell Engineering

From lentivirus packaging to generating clonal cell lines, let us assist you on your assay cell line creation project.

Assay Cell Line Development

For Drug Discovery, Toxicity Testing and Basic Research.

Research Grade Lentiviral Vector Packaging

Lentiviruses are a powerful gene delivery vector that ensures long-term expression of your target transgene.

Research Grade AAV

Our beta-testers are important to us and we are offering heavily discounted prices and additional guarantees.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: website@genscript.com

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.