Understanding Punnett Squares and Genetic Probability
What is the probability that a child will carry the Sickle Cell trait?
Based on the Punnett square provided below:
- SS
- Ss
- sS
- ss
What is the likelihood of a child carrying the Sickle Cell trait?
Answer:
The probability that a child will carry the Sickle Cell trait is 50%.
Understanding Punnett Squares and Genetic Probability
Punnett squares are graphical tools used to predict the possible genetic outcomes of a cross between two individuals. In this case, the Punnett square provided shows a cross between parents with the genotype Ss for a genetic disorder caused by a recessive allele like Sickle Cell disease.
When analyzing the Punnett square, S represents the normal allele (dominant) while s represents the recessive allele responsible for the Sickle Cell trait. The possible offspring combinations are SS, Ss, sS, and ss.
Out of these combinations, the Ss and ss genotypes indicate the presence of the Sickle Cell trait. Since there are 2 out of 4 possible outcomes that show the trait, the probability of a child carrying the Sickle Cell trait is 50%.
It is important to understand Punnett squares and genetic probability to predict and understand the inheritance of traits in offspring.