Punnett Square: Definition with Free Examples

Last updated on November 9, 2021 by

A Punnett Square is a diagram frequently used in Genetics to predict the genotype of a breed. It shows all feasible combinations that can be produced with the union of two different genes. This table is useful for scientists that focuses their research in the genetics field since it is simple and easy to make. Aside from that, it is the standard chart that is used across the globe. With that being said, if you want to learn more about this type of diagram, then you are on the right page. Continue reading below to learn more information about this table.

Punnett Square Tutorial

What is a Punnett Square?

The Punnett Square was named after Reginald C. Punnett, who invented it in 1905. In-general, the Punnett square definition is that it is a table that shows all possible genetic combinations that offsprings can possess. This help researchers of genetics predict the percentage of possible results that they can get by mixing two genes together. The table is usually made up of grids in fours and follows the Mendelian inheritance principle.

Different Types of Punnett Square

There are two kinds of Punnett Square which are the Monohybrid Cross and the other one is called Dihybrid Cross. In-general, there is not much difference in-terms of their appearance. However, the way they are used is totally different.

  • Monohybrid Cross – This Punnett Square example is used for observing a single trait of the subject. For example, when observing the eye color of the subject, one can employ the use of Monohybrid Cross since both parents can have different eye color.
  • Dihybrid Cross – A more complicated type of Punnett Square and the opposite of Monohybrid Cross is the Dihybrid Cross. It is a combination of various monohybrid cross and is usually a square with a 4×4 quadrant.

Punnett Square Templates to Download

There are many things that an offspring can inherit from their parents. That is why if you want to know the possible traits that your offspring can have, then ask Genologists to conduct an experiment. On that note, they will surely use a Punnett Square to do the experiment. Aside from that, there are many other things that you can do with a Punnett square. With that being said, you can prepare in advance by downloading the Punnett Square example below.

  • Pea Color Punnett Square Template
pea punnett square
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One of the most common examples and most used test subject in genetics are Peas. Aside from the fact that they are always available, they also have various genes depending on their variants. As the template above shows, there are two kinds of peas that were used to show the complex possible outcome of the combination between the peas.

  • Flower Color Punnett Square Template
flower punnett square example
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Another good example of Punnett Square templates are flowers. Flowers are know to have diverse sets of colors and characteristics which makes them perfect for genetic research. As seen from the template above, two different colors can either produce new colors or take the dominant parent’s gene.

  • Eye Color Punnett Square Template
eye punnett square
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One of the most commonly researched topic using a Punnett Square example is eye color. As there are other eye color that parents can pass on to their offspring, it is intriguing to know which color they’ll inherit. The template above shows the possibilities of between two different eye color manifesting into a child.

Conclusion

Punnett Square is one of the easiest table to make but is very complex at the same time. As we all know, genetics is one of the most complicated field there is, so prior knowledge is required. On the contrary, creating a Punnet square should not be hard. That is why we created some templates that you can instantly download. You can use these templates as they are, or edit them to fit your purpose.

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Posted by: on to Tips and Resources. Last updated on November 9, 2021

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