Punnett Square
A chart that shows all the possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross
A Punnett Square is a tool used in genetics to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring resulting from a given cross between two parents. It is named after Reginald Punnett, who first developed this tool in 1905.
The Punnett Square is typically a square divided into four boxes, with each box representing a possible genotype of the offspring. The parent’s genotype is written on the top and left side of the square. The different combinations of alleles that each parent could contribute to the offspring are placed on the top and left sides of the square.
To determine the possible genotypes of the offspring, the alleles in each box are combined. The resulting genotypes are then used to predict the possible phenotypes of the offspring based on the rules of inheritance.
The Punnett Square can be used to study monohybrid, dihybrid, and multihybrid crosses, as well as other genetic concepts such as sex-linked traits and incomplete dominance.
Overall, the Punnett Square is an essential tool for geneticists to predict the outcomes of crosses and to better understand the principles of inheritance.
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