Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What does phenotype refer to?

1. An organism's genetic composition

2. The physical appearance or traits of an organism

3. The specific effects of gene mutation

4. An organism’s inheritance patterns

The correct answer is: The physical appearance or traits of an organism

Phenotype refers to the physical appearance or observable traits of an organism, which can include characteristics such as height, color, shape, and behavior. This term encompasses all the visible features that result from the interaction of the organism's genotype (the genetic makeup) with the environment. The phenotype is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions, making it a crucial concept in genetics and biology for understanding how organisms express their inherited traits. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of genetics. The genetic composition pertains to the genotype, not phenotype, while the effects of gene mutations relate to specific variations and consequences that occur at the molecular level. Inheritance patterns refer to how traits are passed down from one generation to the next, which is also distinct from physical characteristics and thus not an accurate definition of phenotype.