Inheritance with Punnett Squares Virtual Lab

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Mendelian Inheritance” simulation.

Did you know that more than 99% of your genes are identical to those found in any other human being on the planet? In this simulation, you will learn about color blindness, the principles of inheritance, and how to draw a punnett square. Use punnett squares to predict whether future generations in a family will be color blind. What is your prediction?

Learn the principles of inheritance

Begin by reviewing some of the principles of inheritance. You will learn about how genes are passed on from your parents with cells called gametes. Discover the difference between phenotypes and genotypes. Then find out how a genotype can be represented using letters, and how to show if an allele is dominant or recessive. You are then ready to draw some Punnett squares.

Cross purebred mice and observe their phenotypes

To understand the fundamental laws of inheritance, you will cross purebred mice and see how their genes can influence their fur color. By crossing multiple generations you will learn which fur color is dominant. Draw a punnett square based on what you observed to learn how punnett squares can predict the phenotypes of future generations.

Predict the genotypes in the family

What is valid for the fur color in mice, can also be applied to human color blindness! Draw a punnett square for color blindness within the family so you can predict whether future generations will also be color blind. Will you be able to determine if the patient’s children will inherit his color blindness?