What does the term "genetic makeup" refer to in biological terms?

The term "genetic makeup" specifically refers to the genotype, which is the genetic constitution of an individual organism. It encompasses the specific alleles and genes that an organism carries, determining inherited traits. The genotype plays a crucial role in biological processes, as it provides the blueprint for the development of the organism's physical characteristics, behaviors, and various physiological functions.

In contrast, phenotype describes the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population, highlighting the range of genetic differences, and gene pool signifies the total collection of genes within a population, neither of these terms captures the specific genetic information of an individual, making them less relevant in the context of "genetic makeup."