Predicting Offspring Genotypes and Traits Flashcards

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What does it mean to predict the genotype of an offspring?

It means using the parents’ genotypes to work out the possible gene combinations in their children.

What information about the parents do you need before you can predict their children’s genotypes?

You need to know each parent’s genotype for the gene or trait you are studying.

How many alleles for each gene does an offspring get from each parent?

One allele from the mother and one allele from the father.

Why can brothers and sisters from the same parents have different genotypes?

Because each child gets a different random mix of alleles from the parents.

In a genetic cross diagram, what does each small box usually show?

Each box shows one possible genotype that an offspring could have.

How do you work out an offspring’s trait (phenotype) once you know its genotype?

You use rules about dominant and recessive alleles to decide which trait the genotype will produce.

If a dominant allele is written as A and a recessive allele as a, which genotypes will show the dominant trait?

AA and Aa will show the dominant trait.

Can genetic predictions tell you exactly what traits a single baby will have?

No. They only give the possible outcomes and how likely they are. The actual result is decided by chance.

Why do we say genetic predictions are about chance, not certainty?

Because which sperm fertilises which egg is random. We can only say what is likely, not what must happen.

How might predicting offspring genotypes help in families with a genetic disorder?

It can show whether children could inherit the disorder or be carriers. This helps parents make informed choices.

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