Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How is the genetic composition of an organism described?

1. Phenoform

2. Genotype

3. Diploid structure

4. Chromosomal arrangement

The correct answer is: Genotype

The genetic composition of an organism is accurately described by the term genotype. Genotype refers to the specific set of genes an organism carries, which can include various alleles that influence specific traits. It serves as the blueprint for all potential traits and characteristics the organism can express, although environmental factors can also play a significant role in the actual expression of these traits. Understanding genotype is fundamental in genetics because it helps differentiate between the genetic makeup of an organism and its physical expressions, known as phenotypes. This distinction is crucial when studying inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and evolutionary processes. The other terms do not appropriately define the genetic composition in the same way. For instance, diploid structure refers to a cell or organism's number of sets of chromosomes but does not specify the genetic characteristics carried within those sets. Chromosomal arrangement describes how chromosomes are organized within the cell but does not give a complete overview of the genetic composition itself. Lastly, phenoform is not a standard term used in genetics.