Phenotype

Phenotype refers to the visible expression of the information contained in a person’s genetic code (known as genotype). This includes whatever can be measured or observed of a person’s physical, psychological and biological makeup.

Phenotype is not just a function of your genes though – many of the characteristics of a person that are observable are the result of the combination of what is inherited and the environment. For example, a person may have the genotype for depression but because the family was very loving, happy and well adjusted, the person never develops the symptoms of depression.


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