In genetics, what represents the genetic makeup of an organism?

The genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as its genotype. The genotype encompasses the specific set of genes inherited from the parents, which determines potential traits and characteristics of the organism. This is distinct from the phenotype, which is the observable expression of those genes, such as physical traits or behaviors. Alleles are variations of a gene that can exist at a particular locus on a chromosome, contributing to the genetic diversity within a population, but they do not represent the complete genetic makeup on their own. A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism that results from the expression of the genotype, influenced by the environment, but again, does not encapsulate the entire genetic makeup. Thus, the term genotype accurately conveys the comprehensive genetic information that dictates how an organism develops and potentially interacts with its environment.