Exploring Genetic Variation with Punnett Squares

In this assignment, you will explore how genetic variation occurs in offspring through the use of Punnett squares. You will construct explanations and use evidence from Punnett squares to demonstrate how two parents can produce different offspring. This will help you understand the basic principles of inheritance and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Use the following questions to guide your understanding of how Punnett squares can predict the genetic outcomes of offspring based on the genetic makeup of the parents.

What is a Punnett square and how is it used in genetics?

Explain how a Punnett square can be used to predict the possible genotypes of offspring from two heterozygous parents for a single trait.

If two parents are heterozygous for a trait (e.g., Bb), list all the possible genotypes of their offspring using a Punnett square.

Using the genotypes from the previous question, explain how these genotypes can result in different phenotypes in the offspring.

Provide an example of a trait in pea plants that follows Mendelian inheritance and describe how a Punnett square could be used to predict the inheritance of this trait.