Punnett squares

Front

What is a Punnett Square?

Back

A Punnett Square is a diagram used to predict the genetic makeup of offspring from two parents. It shows the possible combinations of alleles from each parent.

Front

What do the letters in a Punnett Square represent?

Back

The letters represent alleles, which are different forms of a gene. Uppercase letters indicate dominant alleles, while lowercase letters indicate recessive alleles.

Front

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Back

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism (the alleles it carries), while phenotype refers to the observable traits or characteristics of that organism.

Front

If a parent has the genotype Bb, what alleles can they pass on to their offspring?

Back

The parent can pass on either the dominant allele 'B' or the recessive allele 'b'.

Front

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

Back

The expected phenotype ratio is 3:1, with 3 showing the dominant trait and 1 showing the recessive trait.

Front

In a Punnett Square, what does a capital letter signify?

Back

A capital letter signifies a dominant allele.

Front

In a Punnett Square, what does a lowercase letter signify?

Back

A lowercase letter signifies a recessive allele.

Front

What is the purpose of using a Punnett Square in genetics?

Back

The purpose is to predict the probability of an offspring inheriting particular traits based on the genetic makeup of the parents.

Front

What is a homozygous genotype?

Back

A homozygous genotype has two identical alleles for a particular gene, either both dominant (e.g., BB) or both recessive (e.g., bb).

Front

What is a heterozygous genotype?

Back

A heterozygous genotype has two different alleles for a particular gene, one dominant and one recessive (e.g., Bb).