1. What is a Punnett Square?

A Punnett square is a diagram that is used to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations of offspring from parental alleles. The 2x2 Punnett square is used for monohybrid crosses (single trait inheritance).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Mendelian genetics principles:

Where:

• 1 — Homozygous Dominant (AA)
• 2 — Heterozygous (Aa)
• 1 — Homozygous Recessive (aa)
• 3 — Dominant Phenotype
• 1 — Recessive Phenotype

Explanation: The calculator combines parental alleles according to Mendelian inheritance patterns.

3. Importance of Punnett Squares

Details: Punnett squares are fundamental tools in genetics for predicting offspring genotypes and phenotypes, understanding inheritance patterns, and calculating probabilities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the genotypes for both parents. The calculator will display the genotypic and phenotypic ratios along with the Punnett square visualization.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between genotype and phenotype?
A: Genotype refers to genetic makeup (e.g., AA, Aa, aa), while phenotype refers to physical expression (e.g., dominant or recessive trait).

Q2: Why is the phenotypic ratio 3:1?
A: In complete dominance, both AA and Aa genotypes express the dominant phenotype, resulting in 3 dominant:1 recessive ratio.

Q3: Does this work for all inheritance patterns?
A: No, this calculator assumes complete dominance. For incomplete dominance or codominance, different ratios apply.

Q4: How accurate are Punnett square predictions?
A: They predict probabilities, not certainties. Actual offspring ratios may vary due to chance.

Q5: Can this be used for dihybrid crosses?
A: No, this is for monohybrid crosses only. Dihybrid crosses require a 4x4 Punnett square.