Question

1. everyone in squidward’s family has light blue skin, which is the dominant trait for body color in his hometown of squid valley. his family brags that they are a “purebred” line. he recently married a nice girl who has light green skin, which is a recessive trait. create a punnett square to show the possibilities that would result if squidward and his new bride had children. use b to represent the dominant gene and b to represent the recessive gene.

a. list the possible genotypes and phenotypes for their children.
b. what are the chances of a child with light blue skin? ____%
c. what are the chances of a child with light green skin? ____%
d. would squidward’s children still be considered purebreds? explain!

Explanation:

Step1: Identify parental genotypes

Squidward (purebred light blue, dominant): $BB$; Bride (light green, recessive): $bb$

Step2: Set up Punnett Square

$$\begin{array}{c|cc} & B & B \\ \hline b & Bb & Bb \\ b & Bb & Bb \\ \end{array}$$

Step3: Analyze offspring genotypes/phenotypes

All offspring have genotype $Bb$, phenotype light blue skin.

Step4: Calculate trait probabilities

Count genotype distribution for percentage calculations.

Step5: Evaluate purebred status

Purebred = homozygous; check offspring genotypes.

Answer:

A. Genotype: $Bb$; Phenotype: Light blue skin
B. 100%
C. 0%
D. No, they would not be purebreds. All children have the heterozygous genotype $Bb$, while purebred individuals have a homozygous genotype ($BB$ or $bb$).