Which of the following best defines the term genotype?

The term genotype refers specifically to the genetic constitution of an organism, meaning it encompasses all the alleles and genes that an organism carries. This includes the variations or forms of specific genes inherited from both parents, which ultimately determine the potential traits or characteristics of that organism. The genotype serves as the foundational blueprint that can influence an organism’s traits, but it is distinct from the observable traits, known as the phenotype, which arise from the interaction between genotype and environment. This understanding helps to clarify why recognizing the genetic basis of traits is essential in genetics.