Which of the following best describes a genotype?

A genotype refers to the genetic composition of an organism, which is defined by the specific alleles or versions of genes that an individual carries. It encompasses all the genetic information inherited from the parents, which can influence various traits and characteristics of an organism, but does not necessarily dictate their observable characteristics, known as the phenotype.

For instance, an organism may carry alleles for traits such as flower color; however, those genes may not always manifest as visible traits due to environmental factors or the influence of other genes. This distinction is crucial in understanding how genetic makeup leads to the physical characteristics observed in living beings.

In summary, the correct answer accurately identifies genotype as the genetic blueprint within an organism, differentiating it from related concepts like phenotypes (observable traits) and alleles (gene variations).