Phenotype

Phenotype refers to the physical characteristics of an individual. Phenotype is also the appearance of an individual, defined as the sum of all externally observable characteristics.

In terms of disease, phenotype is defined as an observable characteristic or a specific feature of a disease. The phenotype explicitly does not refer to a disease process, including its pathophysiology or to triggers and inflammatory parameters.

Epigenetic (see epigenetics below) and possibly acquired characteristics such as hypertrophic musculature, growth disorders due to exogenous influences also influence a phenotype. However, such acquired characteristics are not inherited and do not influence the genotype.

S.a. Endotype