Use the diagram to answer the question.

In the Punnett square above, what is the probability that the offspring will have purple flowers? What is the probability that the offspring will have white flowers?
(5 Points)

purple: 1 in 4; white: 3 in 4

purple: 1 in 2; white: 1 in 4

purple: 1 in 4; white: 1 in 2

purple: 3 in 4; white: 1 in 4

1 answer

To determine the probabilities of the offspring having purple or white flowers, I need a bit more detail about the genetic makeup represented in the Punnett square. Typically, in genetics related to flower color, purple is often represented by a dominant allele (P) and white by a recessive allele (p).

If the Punnett square you're referring to shows the mating of two heterozygous individuals (Pp x Pp), then the expected ratios are:

  • 1 PP (homozygous dominant) - purple flowers
  • 2 Pp (heterozygous) - purple flowers
  • 1 pp (homozygous recessive) - white flowers

This would result in:

  • 3 purple (PP and Pp) out of 4 total
  • 1 white (pp) out of 4 total

This means the probability that the offspring will have purple flowers is 3 in 4, and the probability that the offspring will have white flowers is 1 in 4.

So, the correct answer would be:

purple: 3 in 4; white: 1 in 4.