Developing hemophilia
The Punnett square is a descriptive way of predicting the likelihood of certain traits being inherited (O’Neill, 2012). The Punnett square acts of a graph that will show the probability of each of the inheritable genotypes that can happen, based on the genotypes of the parents that are used. Although this tool is helpful, it is based on prediction. That means that it is based on chances, and making it not always accurate, which causes there to be limitations with the Punnett Square.
Mom is a carrier for hemophilia but does not have the disease.
Dad does not have hemophilia
Using the Punnett Square, answer the following questions:
- What is the probability of a female offspring developing hemophilia?
- There is not a chance that the female offspring will develop hemophilia.
- What is the probability of a female offspring being a carrier for hemophilia?
- There is a 50% chance that the female offspring will be a carrier for hemophilia.
- What is the probability of a male offspring developing hemophilia?
- There is a 50% chance that the male offspring will develop hemophilia.
- What is the probability of a male offspring being a carrier developing hemophilia?
- There is not a chance that the male offspring will be a carrier developing hemophilia.
- What is the probability of any offspring developing hemophilia?
- The probability of any offspring developing hemophilia is 25%, where 50% of the males are at risk.
- Explain why only some offspring would develop the disease?
- The father does not carry the genotype for hemophilia, whereas the mother is just a carrier. This would leave no female risk for developing hemophilia, and only a 25% chance of them being a carrier. There is a 50% chance that the male would develop hemophilia, but no chance that they would be a carrier.
O’Neill, D. (2012). Probability of Inheritance. Basic principles of genetics: Probability of inheritance. Retrieved from https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/mendel/mendel_2.htm.
