Inheritance & EvolutionStudy Notes

Punnett Squares

Part of Genetic InheritanceGCSE Biology

This study notes covers Punnett Squares within Genetic Inheritance for GCSE Biology. Genetic inheritance patterns, alleles, and inheritance diagrams It is section 2 of 9 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 9

Practice

25 questions

Recall

25 flashcards

Punnett Squares

A Punnett square shows possible offspring from two parents:

Example: Eye colour (Brown = B, Blue = b)

Parent 1: Bb (heterozygous brown)

Parent 2: Bb (heterozygous brown)

B b
B BB Bb
b Bb bb

Result: 3 Brown (BB, Bb, Bb) : 1 Blue (bb) = 3:1 ratio

Probability of blue eyes: 1 in 4 = 25%

Visual: Punnett Squares and Genetic Crosses

Punnett square diagram showing key genetic terms, genotype vs phenotype, examples of Bb x Bb and Bb x bb crosses with 3:1 and 1:1 ratios, and step-by-step guide to drawing Punnett squares

Remember: Bb x Bb = 3:1 phenotype ratio | Bb x bb = 1:1 ratio | Dominant allele (capital) masks recessive (lowercase)

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Genetic Inheritance. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Genetic Inheritance

What is the term for an allele that is always expressed when present?

  • A. Recessive allele
  • B. Dominant allele
  • C. Homozygous genotype
  • D. Recessive phenotype
1 markfoundation

What is the purpose of a Punnett square in genetic inheritance?

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is the bossy vs shy allele analogy used for?
To explain how dominant and recessive alleles interact to determine a trait.
What does the term "dominant" mean in genetics?
An allele that is always expressed when present (shown with CAPITAL letter, e.g., B)

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 25 exam-style questions and 25 flashcards for Genetic Inheritance — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha