What does the term "trait" refer to in genetics?

In genetics, the term "trait" refers to any physical characteristic or feature of an organism that can be observed or measured. This encompasses a wide range of attributes, such as eye color, height, and leaf shape in plants. Traits are influenced by an organism's genetic makeup, known as its genotype, and can also be affected by environmental factors.

For example, in humans, traits that are commonly studied include blood type, hair texture, and susceptibility to certain diseases. These characteristics arise due to the interaction of multiple genes, as well as the impact of non-genetic influences.

Other options do not accurately capture the full essence of what a trait is. A hereditary defect refers to a negative or undesirable trait caused by genetic factors, which is a more specific term. A genetic mutation involves a permanent alteration in a DNA sequence and is a mechanism that can lead to the development of new traits or diseases. A type of cell describes a category of cells within biological systems and is unrelated to the concept of traits, which focuses on observable characteristics.