Punnett Squares and Pedigrees

Front

What is a Punnett Square?

Back

A Punnett Square is a diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms, showing the possible combinations of alleles from the parents.

Front

What does a pedigree chart represent?

Back

A pedigree chart is a family tree that shows the inheritance of traits across generations, indicating which family members have certain traits.

Front

What do circles represent in a pedigree chart?

Back

Circles represent females in a pedigree chart.

Front

What do squares represent in a pedigree chart?

Back

Squares represent males in a pedigree chart.

Front

What does a fully colored circle or square indicate in a pedigree?

Back

It indicates that the individual has the trait being studied.

Front

What does a half-colored circle or square represent?

Back

It represents a carrier of the trait, meaning the individual does not express the trait but carries the gene for it.

Front

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

Back

Dominant alleles mask the effects of recessive alleles; if an individual has at least one dominant allele, the dominant trait will be expressed.

Front

How do you determine the probability of an offspring inheriting a trait using a Punnett Square?

Back

By filling out the Punnett Square with the parents' alleles, you can count the number of times a specific trait appears in the offspring combinations.

Front

What does it mean if both parents have the genotype Bb?

Back

It means both parents are heterozygous for a trait, carrying one dominant (B) and one recessive (b) allele.

Front

What is the expected phenotypic ratio for a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (Bb x Bb)?

Back

The expected phenotypic ratio is 3:1, where 3 offspring will show the dominant trait and 1 will show the recessive trait.