What is the purpose of a Punnett Square?

The purpose of a Punnett Square is to show all possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross between two organisms. This tool visually represents how alleles from each parent can combine and allows for the prediction of the genetic makeup of offspring. By filling out the square with the alleles contributed by each parent, one can easily see the possible genotypes and their respective probabilities.

This method is particularly useful in genetics for understanding inheritance patterns and predicting the chance of traits appearing in the offspring. The Punnett Square simplifies the process of determining the likelihood of an organism exhibiting a certain trait, based on its alleles. Overall, it serves as a foundational concept in Mendelian genetics, aiding in both teaching and understanding basic genetic principles.