'Genotype': the genetic differences between different people (or other organisms)
'Phenotype': the differences in traits/characteristics/properties between different people (or other organisms)
This is for a new blurb for Useful Genetics. Part 1 of Useful Genetics teaches how genotypes differ and how they cause phenotypic differences. Part 2 teaches how genotypic and phenotypic differences are inherited.
The terms need to stand alone - I'm not looking for analogies to incorporate into explanations of what 'genotype' and 'phenotype mean'.
For 'genotype' I could maybe say 'DNA differences' or 'gene differences', but I can't come up with any way to capture the real meaning of 'phenotype' in one or a few non-technical words. It needs to not exclude any of the ways that phenotypes differ (appearance/metabolism/behaviour/disease risk etc).
Ideally the words would apply comfortably to both people and other organisms, but it's most important that they apply to people.
Suggestions?
3 comments:
Why not simply "DNA differences" and "trait differences"? Should be accessible to most people.
PS Long time reader/fan, first time commenter :)
I have to giggle, but my students differentiate them as "letters" (AA, Aa, aa) versus "appearances."
To me, 'trait' is somewhat of a jargon term, not one I would use outside of genetics. But maybe I'm wrong and most people are comfortable with it as a general usage.
Post a Comment