Genotype

The genotype is the genetic constitution of an organism or cell, the set of alleles that determines how specific traits can be expressed. Two animals may look alike yet carry different genotypes, which is why breeders test rather than guess: the hidden alleles decide what the next generation inherits. Genotyping techniques, from PCR and gene sequencing to RAPD and RFLP analysis, read this constitution directly. In food production, genotype data guides selection, verifies variety identity and traces parentage in breeding programmes.