Understanding Punnett Square: Monohybrid Cross

Steps to Complete a Punnett Square (Monohybrid Cross)

To complete a Punnett Square for a monohybrid cross, follow these simple steps:

1. Determine the Parental Genotypes: Choose a letter to represent each allele in the parent genotypes. For example, use A and a to represent different alleles for a specific trait.

2. Split the Alleles: Write down the alleles for each parent along the top and side of the Punnett Square grid.

3. Fill in the Punnett Square: Combine the alleles from each parent in the appropriate boxes to determine the possible genetic combinations in the offspring.

4. Analyze the Results: Determine the ratios of genotypes and phenotypes in the Punnett Square to predict the outcomes of the cross.

Example:

Let's say we are crossing two pea plants with the genotypes Tt (tall) and tt (short).

Parental Genotypes: Tt x tt

Punnett Square:

Resulting Genotypes: TT, Tt, Tt, tt

Phenotypic Ratio: 1 Tall (TT), 2 Tall (Tt), 1 Short (tt)

Practice Makes Perfect:

Now that you know the steps to complete a Punnett Square for a monohybrid cross, practice with different genetic traits to further understand how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.

Answer:

To complete a Punnett Square for a monohybrid cross, you need to determine the parental genotypes, split the alleles, fill in the Punnett Square with the genetic combinations, and analyze the results to predict the outcomes of the cross.