Which statement best describes how genotype and phenotype are related?

The statement that genotype provides the genetic potential that can be expressed as phenotype accurately reflects the relationship between these two concepts. Genotype refers to the specific genetic makeup of an organism, which consists of alleles inherited from its parents. This genetic composition sets the potential for various traits, known as the phenotype, which is the observable expression of these traits.

While the genotype presents the framework of traits an organism can express, the phenotype can be significantly influenced by environmental factors such as nutrition, temperature, and exposure to toxins. This means that not all traits coded by the genotype will be expressed in the phenotype: some traits may remain dormant or be enhanced or suppressed based on environmental conditions.

The other statements do not capture the full interaction between genotype and phenotype. The idea that genotype determines phenotype exclusively and without environmental influence overlooks the critical role that the environment plays in the expression of traits. Similarly, suggesting that phenotype is influenced solely by environmental factors ignores the foundational role of genetics. Lastly, the notion that genotype and phenotype are independent of each other is fundamentally incorrect, as they are inextricably linked; the genotype is the basis upon which phenotypic traits are formed.