Punnett Squares Definitions

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What is a genotype?

Back

A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

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What does homozygous mean?

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Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., AA or aa).

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What does heterozygous mean?

Back

Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa).

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What is a dominant trait?

Back

A dominant trait is a characteristic that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

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What is a recessive trait?

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A recessive trait is a characteristic that is expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.

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How is a dominant allele represented?

Back

A dominant allele is typically represented by a capital letter (e.g., A).

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How is a recessive allele represented?

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A recessive allele is typically represented by a lowercase letter (e.g., a).

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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.

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What does it mean if an organism is purebred?

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A purebred organism has identical alleles for a trait, either homozygous dominant or homozygous recessive.

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What is the purpose of a Punnett Square?

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The purpose of a Punnett Square is to determine the probability of an offspring inheriting particular traits from its parents.