Genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, which includes all the genes that they have inherited from their parents. It determines the genetic information that an individual carries, including both dominant and recessive traits.

Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable physical, behavioral, and biochemical characteristics of an individual that result from the interaction between their genotype and the environment. It includes traits that can be easily observed, such as eye color, hair texture, height, and weight, as well as more complex traits like intelligence, susceptibility to diseases, and behavioral tendencies.

While genotype remains constant throughout an individual's life, the phenotype can be affected by various factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins. Understanding the difference between genotype and phenotype is crucial in the field of genetics because it helps researchers to identify the genetic basis of various traits and diseases, and to predict their inheritance patterns.