4x4 Punnett Square Calculator

Dihybrid Cross Punnett Square:

A 4×4 grid showing all possible combinations of alleles from two heterozygous parents for two different genes.

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1. What is a 4x4 Punnett Square?

A 4x4 Punnett Square is a grid used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a dihybrid cross (cross between two organisms that are heterozygous for two different traits). It shows all 16 possible combinations of alleles that can result from the cross.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator generates all possible gamete combinations from each parent's genotype and then creates a Punnett square showing all possible offspring genotypes:

Parent 1 genotype: AaBb → Gametes: AB, Ab, aB, ab
Parent 2 genotype: AaBb → Gametes: AB, Ab, aB, ab
4×4 grid showing all combinations

Where:

Each parent contributes 4 possible gametes
The square shows 16 possible offspring genotypes
Each cell represents a possible genotype combination

3. Importance of Dihybrid Cross Analysis

Details: Dihybrid crosses help understand how two different traits are inherited together and demonstrate Mendel's principle of independent assortment. They're fundamental in predicting genetic outcomes in breeding experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter 4-letter genotypes for both parents (e.g., AaBb). Use uppercase for dominant alleles and lowercase for recessive alleles. The calculator will generate all possible gamete combinations and the resulting Punnett square.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between monohybrid and dihybrid crosses?
A: Monohybrid crosses examine one trait (3:1 ratio), while dihybrid crosses examine two traits simultaneously (9:3:3:1 ratio).

Q2: Why are there 16 squares in a dihybrid cross?
A: Each heterozygous parent produces 4 types of gametes, resulting in 4×4=16 possible combinations.

Q3: What is the expected phenotypic ratio for a dihybrid cross?
A: For two heterozygous parents, the expected ratio is 9:3:3:1 (9 dominant for both traits, 3 dominant for first/recessive for second, 3 recessive for first/dominant for second, 1 recessive for both).

Q4: Can I use this for linked genes?
A: No, this calculator assumes independent assortment. Linked genes don't follow the expected ratios and require different analysis.

Q5: How accurate are Punnett square predictions?
A: They're statistically accurate for large sample sizes but represent probabilities, not certainties, for individual offspring.