How do you determine phenotypic distribution using a Punnett Square for a cross between a homozygous female and heterozygous male?

When crossing a homozygous female with a heterozygous male for a single locus, the phenotypic distribution depends on which parent carries which genotype. Let's assume we're examining a trait where the dominant allele is represented by "A" and the recessive by "a."

Example: Homozygous dominant female (AA) × Heterozygous male (Aa)

The Punnett Square would show:

• Female gametes: A, A
• Male gametes: A, a
• Offspring genotypes: 50% AA, 50% Aa
• Phenotypic ratio: 100% dominant phenotype

Example: Homozygous recessive female (aa) × Heterozygous male (Aa)

The Punnett Square would show:

• Female gametes: a, a
• Male gametes: A, a
• Offspring genotypes: 50% Aa, 50% aa
• Phenotypic ratio: 50% dominant phenotype, 50% recessive phenotype (1:1 ratio)

This demonstrates Mendelian inheritance patterns and shows how the combination of parental alleles determines the observable characteristics in the first filial (F1) generation.