The difference between genotype and phenotype lies in what they represent — one is genetic, and the other is visible.
1. Genotype:
- The genotype is the genetic makeup of a plant — the set of genes or alleles it carries.
- It determines the potential traits a plant can have.
- Example: If the gene for flower color has two alleles, R (red) and r (white), the genotypes could be RR, Rr, or rr.
2. Phenotype:
- The phenotype is the physical appearance or observable trait that results from the genotype and environment.
- Example:
- RR → red flowers
- Rr → red flowers (because R is dominant)
- rr → white flowers
3. Influence of environment:
The phenotype can be affected by environmental conditions like light, temperature, or nutrients, even if the genotype stays the same.
In short:
- Genotype: The genetic code (what is inside).
- Phenotype: The visible expression (what we see).
Example:
A plant may have the genotype Rr (for red flowers), but its phenotype is red flowers — the visible result of that genetic combination.