Genotype
Japanese: 遺伝子型（ジェノタイプ）
The genetic constitution of an organism, the information in its DNA sequence. It contains the potential for phenotypic expression, but actual expression patterns change with environmental conditions.
Genotype is the genetic constitution of an organism—the totality of information written in its DNA sequence. If phenotype is the visible appearance, genotype corresponds to the invisible design.
Even among koji mold classified as the same species, genotype differs by strain. One strain excels at protease production; another is rich in amylase. These genotypic differences determine suitability for miso, soy sauce, or sake.
Advances in genome sequencing have made it possible to characterize genotypes in detail. Yet genotype alone cannot fully predict phenotype. Environmental interactions, epigenetic modifications—genotype is a catalog of possibilities, and its realization requires the environment as a co-performer.