Punnett Squares

Introduction to Punnett Squares

• Punnett squares are a visual tool used to predict the possible outcomes of a genetic cross (outcome of your parent's mixing their genes)

• They help determine the probability of inheriting specific traits.

• Each square represents a possible combination of alleles from the parents.

Understanding Punnett Squares

• They show the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring based on the alleles inherited from each parent.

• Each parent's alleles are represented by letters, with dominant alleles shown in uppercase and recessive alleles in lowercase.

• The genotype represents the combination of alleles, while the phenotype represents the observable traits.

Basically...

• Punnett squares let you figure out which traits will be passed down to the offspring.

• If mom has blue eyes, and dad has brown eyes, making Punnett squares lets you figure out the probability for what color eyes the child has.

​Let's Practice