Phenotype vs. Genotype

Phenotype is the outward physical manifestation of an organisms (living things) determined by the genotype, which is the  internally coded, inheritable, information called DNA.

The dog has long pink hair. Having long hair is a phenotype, but the pink coloring is a dye. The dog’s natural hair color is white.

All phenotypes are inherited and include the size and shape of a bird’s beak, and the spines on a cactus.

DNA stands for the chemical name, deoxyribonucleic acid.

While DNA might be considered a topic for high school, but elementary student can easily separate DNA. See the DNA Index for ideas for Extracting DNA. 

Posts Related to Phenotype vs. Genotype

• Hair Color

  I have never seen a dog with pink hair! Have You? FYI: The Maltese dog shown had white hair before its hair was dyed. The ...

• Pink Underwear

  Explaining Color Changes to Young Kids I love working with young kids. They never cease to amaze me with the answers they give. For example, ...

• Sun Blockers

  Natures Natural Sunblockers Some of the organisms in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean have a natural sun-blocker. What is this substance? Answer: Pigments ...

• Bird Beaks

  I love this bird's hairdo. It reminds me of a time when I told the beautician that I wanted something wild and crazy and then ...

• Polymer: How to Make Slime

  Materials: borax Elmer's white school glue measuring spoons, stirring fork (or spoon) 1/2 measuring cups, 2-cup measuring cup mixing bowl 1. Make a Glue Solution: ...

• Slime Science Fair Project

  Slime is an all time favorite with kids, so I have created a step by step process for a slime science fair project. The photo ...

• Teaching Tips

  Have you ever used art to teach chemistry? I have! In fact once I used special cotton balls that changed color with changes in the ...

• Chameleon Color Changes

    Chameleons Do Not Change Color to Match Their Background Terms You Will Learn camouflage chameleon environment predator stimuli   A chameleon is a type ...

• Amy Brown’s Biology Lessons

  FREE! High School Biology Lessons. While the lessons are directed for High School age, they might have information that you can use for your multi-aged ...

• A Camel’s Adaptive Characteristic

  Question: How do animals adapt to their environment? Answer: I do not support the idea that animals purposely change their bodies over time so that ...