In genetics, what is the term for the specific combination of alleles present in an individual?

The term that describes the specific combination of alleles present in an individual is called the genotype. The genotype encompasses all the genetic information an individual carries, including both dominant and recessive alleles. This genetic makeup determines how specific traits may be expressed, but does not directly define the observable characteristics of the individual; that would be the phenotype. The concept of genotype is foundational in genetics, as it helps distinguish between different genetic variations within a species and explains how these variations contribute to the inheritance of traits.

While related terms such as genetic marker and allelic composition might describe aspects of genetics, they are not used to define the complete set of alleles in an individual. A genetic marker refers to a specific gene or DNA sequence that can be used to identify individuals or species, whereas allelic composition is a less common phrase that might imply a similar meaning but lacks the specific definition and accepted usage in genetic terminology that "genotype" holds.