GCSE Biology (OCR B)

Topic Summaries

DNA synthesis and inheritance

Punnett squares and family trees

  • A Punnett square is a grid used to determine the probability of an offspring’s genotype based on the genotype of the parents, showing the potential allele combinations offspring can inherit.
  • For example, when determining the inheritance of eye colour if both parents have the brown eye phenotype and the genotype Bb:
  Parent 1
B b
Parent 2 B BB Bb
b Bb bb
    • Genotype ratio BB:Bb:bb = 1:2:1
    • Probability of offspring: BB = 25%, Bb = 50%, bb = 25%
    • Probability of offspring: Brown eyes = 75%, blue eyes 25%
  • Family trees show the inheritance of characteristics over several generations. The oldest members of a family are at the top of a tree, and each new tier represents a new generation. People with XY chromosomes are represented by squares and people with XX chromosomes are represented by circles. Individuals with a specific characteristic will have their shape coloured in, unless shown otherwise with a key.

Unlock Punnett squares and family trees

Sign up to unlock the rest of this topic — plus every other topic, video, flashcard set and eBook guide in your SnapRevise+ subscription.

Cancel anytime — instant access the moment you sign up.