Final answer:
The expressed traits inherited from parents constitute a person's phenotype, while the complete genetic makeup is the genotype. The phenotype includes observable characteristics which are influenced by both genetics and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Although all of our genetic material is inherited from our parents, not all genes are expressed; the traits that are actually expressed are known as one's phenotype. The complete genetic makeup of an individual is referred to as the genotype, which includes all the genetic information that can potentially express various traits or characteristics. While the genotype is the inherited genetic potential, the phenotype represents the actual characteristics that are expressed, which can range from physical attributes like hair and eye color to behavioral traits.
Environmental factors, alongside the genetic makeup, play a crucial role in influencing which genes are expressed and to what extent, showcasing the complex interplay between genetics (nature) and the environment (nurture). Therefore, while we inherit our genotype from our parents, the characteristics that are actively expressed and observable, making up our phenotype, are a product of both genetic and environmental factors.