In setting up a Punnett square, what is the second step?

In setting up a Punnett square, what is the second step?

• A. Write the genotype ratios.
• B. Place the other parent's alleles down the side.
• C. Leave the spaces blank for a moment.
• D. Multiply the alleles in each box.

Answer: (B)

In a Punnett square, you lay out each parent's possible gametes on opposite edges so every cell shows a potential offspring genotype. The second step is to place the other parent's alleles along the perpendicular edge (the side). This arrangement ensures that each cell represents a combination of one allele from each parent. Once both sides are set, you fill in each box by joining the corresponding alleles from the top and the side, then read off the resulting genotypes (and phenotypes if needed) to see the possible outcomes.

In a Punnett square, you lay out each parent's possible gametes on opposite edges so every cell shows a potential offspring genotype. The second step is to place the other parent's alleles along the perpendicular edge (the side). This arrangement ensures that each cell represents a combination of one allele from each parent. Once both sides are set, you fill in each box by joining the corresponding alleles from the top and the side, then read off the resulting genotypes (and phenotypes if needed) to see the possible outcomes.