Genotype (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what the genotype is and what its difference is from the phenotype. Also, why it is important, what the human genome is and examples.

Genotype - DNA - metabolism — In the genotype are all the characteristics that constitute the individual.

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What is genotype?

By genotype we refer to the set of genetic information stored in the DNA of an organism particular, whose totality in terms of species makes up the genome. Or put another way: each living being has a specific genotype, which is the total of the genetic information housed in its cells; but the genotype of the entire species constitutes the human genome.

In the information contained in the genotype there are all the characteristics that constitute the individual from its internal functioning, its physical appearance and its possible congenital diseases. The physical manifestation of this information, also influenced by the environment, is what is considered the phenotype. I mean:

Genotype + Environment = Phenotype.

The study of genes and heredity has allowed us humans to understand much better than ever the ways in which biological information is transmitted from one generation to the next, which occurs through the replication of the genes contained in the genotype.

Difference between genotype and phenotype

Genotype - Phenotype — The phenotype is the physical manifestation of the genotype influenced by the environment.

The difference between genotype and phenotype is the difference between the mold and the result . The genotype operates as a mold or pattern, that is, as a set of genetic information that determines each fundamental aspect of the constitution and functioning of the body of a living being.

On the other hand, the phenotype is the result of the materialization or expression of said mold, which can occur more or less faithfully to what is planned depending on the environment in which the individual operates.

Thus, the genotype allows the transmission of genetic information, even when said information is not expressed or materialized in the phenotype of the individual. That is the reason why it could instead manifest itself in a descendant of yours, since you have received the genetic information in inheritance.

Importance of genotype

The genotype is the set of genetic information, which contains the evolutionary successes and failures of a species something fundamental for future generations that will perpetuate it. In that sense, it is the greatest biological treasure of each species of living being, and the damage it may suffer, from sources such as ionizing radiation, certain diseases or some chemical substances, puts the durability of this information at risk.

human genome

The genome of the human species has been the subject of study during the second half of the 20th century especially after the inauguration in 1990 of the Human Genome Project, aimed at determining the exact sequence of the chemical bases that make up the DNA of our species, and then identifying and mapping them, in order to “translate” that genetic information and know which segments determine what phenotypes in the genome of each individual of the species. This task was completed in July 2016, although the exact function of each segment is not known yet, but there is a very good map of its entirety and its main content areas.

Thanks to it many congenital diseases can be better understood and attacked in contemporary medicine, and the doors were opened to gene therapy, which is giving great results in the eradication of diseases until now considered incurable.

Examples of genotype

It is difficult to properly give examples of a genotype, but we can give examples of information contained in the genotype of a species, such as:

Predispositions to suffer certain diseases or to suffer from conditions derived from a specific condition in the metabolism or any other body system.
Physical features identifiable to the naked eye, such as hair and eye color, skin tone, facial features, or hair density.
Body proportions, such as height, propensity for obesity, etc.
Certain behavioral tendencies that are linked in some way to the brain, nervous transmission or the assimilation of substances ingested through food.