Which of the following best defines the term 'phenotype'?

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Prepare for the HOSA Human Heredity Test. Explore multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding of genetics and heredity concepts. Secure your success!

The term 'phenotype' refers specifically to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which can include physical attributes such as height, eye color, and flower color in plants, as well as behavioral traits. Phenotypes are influenced by the organism's genetic makeup (genotype) as well as environmental factors.

In contrast, the genetic makeup of an organism refers to its genotype, which is a more technical term representing the specific alleles present. The mapping of genes on a chromosome pertains to genetic mapping or chromosome mapping, which is not directly related to observable traits. Mutations present in an organism refer to changes in the DNA sequence that can influence phenotype but are not synonymous with phenotype itself. Thus, the definition highlighting observable characteristics aligns precisely with the concept of phenotype in the context of biology.

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