Final answer:
The genetic makeup of an organism, known as the genotype, consists of the DNA inherited from both parents, which determines the organism's phenotype, the visible traits. The complete genome encompasses all of an organism's genetic material, reflecting both shared human characteristics and unique individual variations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetic makeup of an organism, also known as the genotype, refers to the complete set of genetic material (DNA) inherited from one's parents. This genetic constitution of an individual influences the phenotype, which is the observable physical characteristics such as hair color, skin color, and height. Every organism has a unique combination of genes located at specific loci on chromosomes, and these genes exist in different versions called alleles. For instance, pea plants have alleles for purple flowers (B) and white flowers (b). The phenotype results from the interactions between alleles inherited from each parent and environmental factors.
The human genome contains not just genes for common characteristics that make us human, but also unique variations that contribute to our individuality. The sequencing of the human genome illustrates the vast genetic variation between individuals, providing insight into both evolutionary processes and individual uniqueness. The genome is an organism's complete genetic instructions, revealing that although we share a vast majority of our DNA, slight differences in gene expression make us genetically unique.