Punnett Squares and Pedigrees

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 a dominant allele represent?

Back

A dominant allele is represented by a capital letter and can mask the effect of a recessive allele.

Front

What is a recessive allele?

Back

A recessive allele is represented by a lowercase letter and is only expressed in the phenotype if two copies are present.

Front

How do you determine the phenotype ratio from a Punnett Square?

Back

The phenotype ratio is determined by counting the different phenotypes represented in the offspring from the Punnett Square.

Front

What is a pedigree chart?

Back

A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors.

Front

What does it mean if a trait is sex-linked?

Back

A sex-linked trait is associated with a gene that is located on a sex chromosome, often affecting males and females differently.

Front

What is the probability of inheriting a trait?

Back

The probability of inheriting a trait is calculated by determining the ratio of the desired outcome to the total possible outcomes.

Front

What does it mean for an organism to be heterozygous?

Back

An organism is heterozygous when it has two different alleles for a particular gene, one dominant and one recessive.

Front

What is the significance of a capital letter in genetics?

Back

A capital letter in genetics signifies a dominant allele.

Front

What is the significance of a lowercase letter in genetics?

Back

A lowercase letter in genetics signifies a recessive allele.