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Dec 25, 2025
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Understanding Punnett Squares and Dihybrid Crosses
Shea Swan
@iiamsheaaa
1 / 3
Punnett Squares & Mendel's Law of Segregation
Ever wondered why you might have your mom's eyes but your dad's smile? The Law of Segregation explains this! It states that each parent passes just one allele for each trait to their children through gametes (egg or sperm).
When discussing genetics, we use two key terms: genotype and phenotype. Your genotype is your genetic makeup (the actual alleles you have), while your phenotype is how those genes physically appear in your body.
Genotypes come in different forms. If both alleles are the same (like HH or hh), they're called homozygous. If they're different (like Hh), they're called heterozygous. Dominant alleles (written as capital letters) overpower recessive ones (lowercase letters) when determining phenotype.
Quick Tip: Remember that a Punnett Square is just a simple grid that helps you map out all possible genetic combinations. Think of it like predicting what might happen when you shuffle and deal cards from two different decks!
To create a Punnett Square, place the mother's possible alleles along one side and the father's along the other. The boxes inside show all possible genetic combinations their children might have.
Understanding Mendel's Genetic Experiments
Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, used pea plants to figure out how traits are inherited. In his famous experiments, he crossed purple flowers (homozygous dominant, PP) with white flowers (homozygous recessive, pp).
The first generation (F₁) all had purple flowers despite having mixed genetics (Pp). This showed that the dominant trait masks the recessive one. When these F₁ plants bred together, the second generation (F₂) showed a pattern: about 75% had purple flowers and 25% had white.
Mendel's simple crosses worked well for single traits, but he discovered that some traits don't follow these simple rules. Some genes are linked, meaning they're inherited together rather than independently.
Remember This: The 3:1 ratio (75% dominant to 25% recessive) in the F₂ generation is a classic sign that you're dealing with a simple dominant/recessive inheritance pattern!
For studying two traits at once, scientists use a dihybrid cross. This more complex Punnett square tracks two different gene pairs simultaneously, giving us insight into how multiple traits are inherited together.
Solving Dihybrid Crosses
Dihybrid crosses look complicated but are actually manageable once you know the trick. For example, with a cross like AaBb × AaBb, you need to determine all possible combinations of alleles each parent can contribute.
The FOIL method helps organize these crosses. Each parent can produce four types of gametes: AB, Ab, aB, and ab. List these on the top and side of your grid to create a 4×4 Punnett square with 16 possible outcomes.
Fill in each box by combining the column and row alleles. For instance, the box where AB (column) meets Ab (row) will contain AABb. Complete the entire square this way to see all possible genotypic combinations for the offspring.
Pro Tip: When working with dihybrid crosses, always write out all possible gamete combinations first. This organization step prevents mistakes and makes completing the 16 squares much easier!
The completed dihybrid cross reveals the probability of each genotype and phenotype appearing in the offspring, helping us predict inheritance patterns for multiple traits simultaneously.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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Most popular content: Punnett Square
Most popular content in Chemistry
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Students love us — and so will you.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Punnett Squares and Dihybrid Crosses
Shea Swan
@iiamsheaaa
Punnett Squares help us predict genetic outcomes by mapping possible combinations of alleles from parents to offspring. They're essential tools for understanding inheritance patterns and how traits get passed down through generations.
Punnett Squares & Mendel's Law of Segregation
Ever wondered why you might have your mom's eyes but your dad's smile? The Law of Segregation explains this! It states that each parent passes just one allele for each trait to their children through gametes (egg or sperm).
When discussing genetics, we use two key terms: genotype and phenotype. Your genotype is your genetic makeup (the actual alleles you have), while your phenotype is how those genes physically appear in your body.
Genotypes come in different forms. If both alleles are the same (like HH or hh), they're called homozygous. If they're different (like Hh), they're called heterozygous. Dominant alleles (written as capital letters) overpower recessive ones (lowercase letters) when determining phenotype.
Quick Tip: Remember that a Punnett Square is just a simple grid that helps you map out all possible genetic combinations. Think of it like predicting what might happen when you shuffle and deal cards from two different decks!
To create a Punnett Square, place the mother's possible alleles along one side and the father's along the other. The boxes inside show all possible genetic combinations their children might have.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Mendel's Genetic Experiments
Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, used pea plants to figure out how traits are inherited. In his famous experiments, he crossed purple flowers (homozygous dominant, PP) with white flowers (homozygous recessive, pp).
The first generation (F₁) all had purple flowers despite having mixed genetics (Pp). This showed that the dominant trait masks the recessive one. When these F₁ plants bred together, the second generation (F₂) showed a pattern: about 75% had purple flowers and 25% had white.
Mendel's simple crosses worked well for single traits, but he discovered that some traits don't follow these simple rules. Some genes are linked, meaning they're inherited together rather than independently.
Remember This: The 3:1 ratio (75% dominant to 25% recessive) in the F₂ generation is a classic sign that you're dealing with a simple dominant/recessive inheritance pattern!
For studying two traits at once, scientists use a dihybrid cross. This more complex Punnett square tracks two different gene pairs simultaneously, giving us insight into how multiple traits are inherited together.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Solving Dihybrid Crosses
Dihybrid crosses look complicated but are actually manageable once you know the trick. For example, with a cross like AaBb × AaBb, you need to determine all possible combinations of alleles each parent can contribute.
The FOIL method helps organize these crosses. Each parent can produce four types of gametes: AB, Ab, aB, and ab. List these on the top and side of your grid to create a 4×4 Punnett square with 16 possible outcomes.
Fill in each box by combining the column and row alleles. For instance, the box where AB (column) meets Ab (row) will contain AABb. Complete the entire square this way to see all possible genotypic combinations for the offspring.
Pro Tip: When working with dihybrid crosses, always write out all possible gamete combinations first. This organization step prevents mistakes and makes completing the 16 squares much easier!
The completed dihybrid cross reveals the probability of each genotype and phenotype appearing in the offspring, helping us predict inheritance patterns for multiple traits simultaneously.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user