Punnett squares

Front

What is a Punnett square?

Back

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible combinations of alleles from the parents.

Front

What does the term 'genotype' refer to?

Back

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, represented by letters (e.g., AA, Aa, aa).

Front

What does the term 'phenotype' refer to?

Back

Phenotype refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an individual, such as eye color or fur color.

Front

What is a homozygous allele pair?

Back

A homozygous allele pair consists of two identical alleles for a trait, such as AA or aa.

Front

What is a heterozygous allele pair?

Back

A heterozygous allele pair consists of two different alleles for a trait, such as Aa.

Front

In a Punnett square, what does each box represent?

Back

Each box in a Punnett square represents a possible genotype of the offspring resulting from the combination of alleles from the parents.

Front

How do you calculate the probability of a trait using a Punnett square?

Back

To calculate the probability of a trait, count the number of boxes showing the desired genotype and divide by the total number of boxes.

Front

If B = brown fur and b = white fur, what is the probability of getting brown fur from a Bb x Bb cross?

Back

The probability of getting brown fur (BB or Bb) is 75%.

Front

What is the significance of dominant and recessive alleles in genetics?

Back

Dominant alleles mask the effect of recessive alleles in the phenotype, meaning that if at least one dominant allele is present, the dominant trait will be expressed.

Front

What is the expected genotype ratio from a monohybrid cross of two heterozygous parents (Aa x Aa)?

Back

The expected genotype ratio is 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa.