In a Punnett square, what does each box represent?

In a Punnett square, each box indeed represents the possible genotypes of the offspring produced from the combination of alleles contributed by each parent. This tool is used in genetics to predict the likelihood of certain traits appearing in the offspring based on the genetic makeup of the parents.

When two parents are crossed, each parent contributes one allele for a particular trait, and the boxes in the Punnett square show the different combinations of these alleles. By filling in the square based on the alleles of the parents, one can visualize all the potential genotypes that their offspring might inherit. This process is fundamental in genetics for understanding inheritance patterns, and it provides a clear, organized way to predict outcomes for various genetic crosses.

This understanding is pivotal for students as it lays the groundwork for further concepts in genetics, such as phenotype expression and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.