Biology Punnet Square Question

In summary, when two hairless Xolos are mated, their surviving offspring will have a 2/3 chance of being hairless. This is because the mutation in Chromosome 17 that causes hairlessness is lethal when present in a homozygous form. Therefore, only the heterozygous offspring (Hh) will not have hair, while the homozygous offspring (hh) will have hair.
  • #1
ab94
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Homework Statement



The Xolo is the national dog of Mexico. The striking characteristic of this dog is that it
has no hair. Xolos carry a mutation in Chromosome 17 that, when homozygous, is lethal.

If two hairless Xolos were mated, what fraction of their surviving offspring would be hairless?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



If two hairless Xolos were mated, assuming Hh and Hh since homozygous would not exist, then 1/4 would be HH 1/4 would be hh and these would die because they're homozygous. and 2/4 Hh.

Therefore 50% would have no hair. But the answer is 2/3 will have no hair, why?
 
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  • #2
I think HH should be lethal and not hh because it is the dominant Chromosome 17 trait, while h is its recessive counterpart (meaning that Xolos must have hair), it should not be lethal when present as hh.

So, HH will die, so 2 Hh will not have hair, while hh will have hair. So, answer's 2/3.
 

Related to Biology Punnet Square Question

1. What is a Punnett Square?

A Punnett Square is a visual tool used in genetics to predict the possible outcomes of a genetic cross between two individuals. It is named after Reginald Punnett, who first described the square in the early 20th century.

2. How do you use a Punnett Square?

To use a Punnett Square, you first need to determine the genotypes of the parents. Then, you place the alleles for one parent along the top of the square and the alleles for the other parent along the side. Next, you fill in the boxes with the possible combinations of alleles, which represent the potential genotypes of the offspring.

3. What is the purpose of a Punnett Square?

The purpose of a Punnett Square is to make predictions about the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in a genetic cross. It can also be used to calculate the probability of certain traits and to determine the likelihood of inherited diseases or disorders.

4. What is the difference between a monohybrid and a dihybrid Punnett Square?

A monohybrid Punnett Square is used to predict the outcomes of a genetic cross involving one trait, while a dihybrid Punnett Square is used for a cross involving two traits. In a dihybrid Punnett Square, there are four alleles for each parent instead of two, and the total number of possible genotypes increases from four to sixteen.

5. Are Punnett Squares always accurate?

No, Punnett Squares are not always accurate. They are based on Mendelian genetics, which does not take into account factors such as incomplete dominance, codominance, epistasis, and polygenic inheritance. These factors can affect the expression of traits and may lead to different outcomes than predicted by a Punnett Square.

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