Punnett Squares & Pedigrees

Front

What are genotypes?

Back

Genotypes are the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the combination of alleles (e.g., Aa, DD, bB, yy).

Front

What are phenotypes?

Back

Phenotypes are the observable traits or characteristics of an organism, which result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Front

What does it mean for an allele to be dominant?

Back

A dominant allele is one that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in the genotype (e.g., AA or Aa).

Front

What does it mean for an allele to be recessive?

Back

A recessive allele is one that only expresses its trait when two copies are present in the genotype (e.g., 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 parental alleles.

Front

How do you determine the phenotype from a genotype?

Back

To determine the phenotype from a genotype, identify whether the alleles are dominant or recessive and observe the resulting traits.

Front

What shape represents a male in a pedigree chart?

Back

In a pedigree chart, a square represents a male.

Front

What shape represents a female in a pedigree chart?

Back

In a pedigree chart, a circle represents a female.

Front

What is a Punnett square used for?

Back

A Punnett square is used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.

Front

What is the purpose of a pedigree chart?

Back

A pedigree chart is used to track the inheritance of traits through generations in a family.