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. It provides a simple way to calculate the probability of offspring having particular genetic characteristics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the probability formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Probability (dimensionless)
• \( F \) — Number of favorable outcomes (dimensionless)
• \( T \) — Total number of possible outcomes (dimensionless)

Explanation: The Punnett square helps visualize all possible combinations of parental alleles, making it easier to count favorable and total outcomes.

3. Importance of Probability Calculation

Details: Calculating genetic probabilities is essential for predicting inheritance patterns, understanding genetic risks, and making informed decisions in breeding programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of favorable outcomes (F) and total possible outcomes (T) from your Punnett square analysis. F must be ≤ T and both must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between genotype and phenotype probability?
A: Genotype probability refers to genetic makeup, while phenotype probability refers to observable characteristics.

Q2: How do I determine F and T values?
A: Count the number of squares in the Punnett square that match your desired outcome (F) and the total number of squares (T).

Q3: Can this calculator handle dihybrid crosses?
A: Yes, as long as you can determine the F and T values from your 4×4 Punnett square.

Q4: What if my probability is 0?
A: A probability of 0 means the outcome is impossible given the parental genotypes.

Q5: How accurate are Punnett square predictions?
A: They predict average probabilities but actual results may vary due to random chance, especially with small sample sizes.