Here's why:
* Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait.
* Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the specific combination of alleles (different versions of a gene) an organism possesses.
For example, if a gene for eye color has two alleles, brown (B) and blue (b), an individual's genotype could be:
* BB: Homozygous dominant for brown eyes
* Bb: Heterozygous, with one brown and one blue allele
* bb: Homozygous recessive for blue eyes
The genotype ultimately determines the phenotype, which is the observable trait expressed by the organism (e.g., brown eyes, blue eyes).
