1. What is Trihybrid Cross?

A trihybrid cross examines the inheritance of three different traits simultaneously. For eye color, this might involve considering three different genes that contribute to the phenotype.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the probability formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Probability (dimensionless)
• \( F \) — Number of favorable outcomes (0-64)
• 64 — Total possible combinations in trihybrid cross (4³)

Explanation: In a trihybrid cross, each parent can produce 8 different gametes, resulting in 64 possible combinations in the offspring.

3. Importance of Trihybrid Cross

Details: Trihybrid crosses help understand complex inheritance patterns and the probability of offspring inheriting specific combinations of traits, particularly important in eye color genetics which often involves multiple genes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of favorable genetic combinations (0-64) to calculate the probability of that specific eye color combination appearing in offspring.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 64 possible combinations?
A: With three genes, each with two alleles, there are 8 possible gametes (2³) from each parent, resulting in 64 possible offspring combinations (8×8).

Q2: What genes affect eye color?
A: Major genes include OCA2, HERC2, and SLC24A4, but many others contribute to the final phenotype.

Q3: How accurate are these predictions?
A: While the math is precise, actual eye color can be influenced by additional genetic and environmental factors.

Q4: Can this predict all eye colors?
A: It predicts probabilities based on known genotypes, but new eye color genes are still being discovered.

Q5: Why use trihybrid instead of dihybrid?
A: Eye color is polygenic - using three genes provides more accurate modeling than just two.