Virtual Genetics Lab II
Virtual Genetics Lab II (VGLII) is a free genetics simulation for students investigating how traits pass from parents to offspring.
What Virtual Genetics Lab II is
Virtual Genetics Lab II (VGLII) is a free genetics simulation for students investigating how traits pass from parents to offspring. Students cross hypothetical creatures and examine their offspring. Problems cover one to three genes, with traits modeled as autosomal or sex-linked and using simple dominance, co-dominance, or incomplete dominance. Instructors can limit which models are available. Model Builder lets students enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare student answers with correct answers for grading.
Version 3 includes chi-squared calculations in the Summary Chart, epistasis and complementation models, and Super Crosses of up to 2,000 offspring. Desktop downloads are listed for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX; the download page says VGLII requires Java 7 or higher. The browser-based jsVGL version does not require Java and can load and save work. The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported, while support will continue for jsVGL. Some macOS versions may show an “Unable to Load Java Runtime Environment” message when launching VGLII; a workaround uses the app’s VGLII.jar file.
Good
- Models autosomal and sex-linked traits.
- Instructors can restrict available genetic models.
- Model Builder supports saved student models and grading.
- Version 3 includes crosses of up to 2,000 offspring.
- A browser version can load and save work.
Watch out
- VGLII requires Java 7 or higher.
- Problems cover only one to three genes.
- The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported.
- Some macOS versions may show a Java runtime error.
Who it suits
VGLII suits university-level learners studying inheritance through simulated crosses, and instructors who want students to build and submit genetic models. Those seeking ongoing support should note that support for VGLII is ending.
Verdict
VGLII offers a free way to explore inheritance with adjustable genetic models and analysis tools. The Java requirement and end of support make jsVGL worth considering as the browser alternative.
Plans and prices
From Virtual Genetics Lab II's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Genetics Lab II | Free | Free; problems cover 1 to 3 genes |
The facts
Each one read from Virtual Genetics Lab II's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Analysis features
- Version 3 includes chi-squared calculations in the Summary Chart, epistasis and complementation models, and Super Crosses of up to 2,000 offspring.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop availability
- The download page lists VGLII downloads for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/UNIX.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop requirements
- The download page says VGL requires Java 7 or higher and lists Windows 9x and above, Solaris 8 and above, Linux, and Mac OS X 10.7 and above.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Genetic models
- Traits can be autosomal or sex-linked and can use simple dominance or co-dominance or incomplete dominance; instructors can limit the possible models.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Known compatibility issue
- The maker says some macOS versions may show an “Unable to Load Java Runtime Environment” message when launching VGLII and provides a workaround using the app's VGLII.jar file.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Model Builder
- Students can enter and save genetic models, and instructors can compare their answers with correct answers for grading.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Problem limit
- The maker's comparison table says VGLII problems support one to three genes.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- VGLII simulates transmission genetics so students can investigate how traits are inherited by crossing hypothetical creatures and examining their offspring.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The download page directs installation questions, troubleshooting requests, and bug reports to Brian White by email.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support status
- The maker says VGLII will no longer be supported and says it will continue supporting the cross-platform browser version, jsVGL.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Use and audience
- The maker says VGLII had been used by over 3,500 biology students at UMass Boston since 2003.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser version
- The maker describes jsVGL as a non-Java version that runs in a web browser and can load and save work.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker and development
- The maker says VGLII was designed and developed by four UMass Boston master's students in computer science and Brian White.checked 8 Oct 2026
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