Question

when constructing a punnett square, the symbols on the outside of the boxes represent ____, while those inside the boxes represent ____.
○ gametes, progeny
○ gametes, parents
○ parents, gametes
○ progeny, gametes

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall how a Punnett square works. The outside of the Punnett square boxes represents the gametes (the sex cells, like sperm or egg) from each parent, and the inside of the boxes represents the possible progeny (offspring) genotypes. So we analyze each option:

• Option 1: "gametes, progeny" – matches the Punnett square structure (outside: gametes from parents; inside: offspring genotypes).
• Option 2: "gametes, parents" – inside can't be parents, as parents produce gametes, not be inside the square.
• Option 3: "parents, gametes" – outside should be gametes, not parents directly (parents contribute gametes, which are on the outside).
• Option 4: "progeny, gametes" – outside can't be progeny (progeny are the result inside the square).

Answer:

A. gametes, progeny