StarGenetics

7.3easy start · #4 of 24
in Biology Learning Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you workyes

Runs on Linux, Mac, Web, Windows.

StarGenetics is ranked #4 of 24 in biology learning software on The Geeks Club. It runs on Linux, macOS, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

StarGenetics plans and pricing

All plans

StarGenetics Free Freely accessible via the web; downloadable Linux, Windows, and Mac versions web.mit.edu · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on biology learning software

Free plan: Yes
Virtual labs: Yes
Biology simulations: Yes
Assessment tools: Yes
Teacher tools: Yes
Primary learner level: mixed
Supported platforms: mixed

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The record

Purpose: StarGenetics is a Mendelian genetics cross simulator for teaching genetic experimental design and genetics concepts.
Audience: The site describes use for high school biology through advanced undergraduate biology.
Custom exercises: Instructors can customize exercises, which are built using Excel workbooks in XLS format.
Organisms: Available visualizers cover cow, fish, fly, peas, smiley face, and yeast.
Genetics topics: Instructor resources list concepts including genetic crosses, Punnett squares, complementation, epistasis, gene linkage and mapping, and tetrad analysis.
DNA markers: DNA marker functionality for genetic mapping is available in the Fly and Fish visualizers.
Experiment analysis: Fly mating results can be viewed individually, sorted by sex and phenotype, or summarized by phenotype.
Punnett squares: The Punnett Square tool summarizes expected genotypic distributions for monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
Data export: Export to Excel is available for Fly exercises only.
Saving work: Experiments can be saved to a file and reopened later in StarGenetics.
Platforms: The manual says the software runs on standard Linux, Windows, and Mac computers; download instructions specify Java Runtime requirements for Linux and Windows and Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
Connectivity: MIT recommends Java Web Start and offers operating-system downloads for users with limited internet connectivity.
Support: Users can submit a bug report, feature request, comment, or question through the in-app suggestions form.
Security prompt: The manual instructs users to click Trust when prompted about the application certificate; the opened product pages make no security or compliance certification claims.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Biology Learning Software in 2026#4 of 24

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Sources

web.mit.edu/Star/genetics/index.html· checked 29 Sept 2026
web.mit.edu/Star/genetics/problemsets/development/i· checked 29 Sept 2026
web.mit.edu/Star/genetics/documentation/index.html· checked 29 Sept 2026
web.mit.edu/Star/genetics/download/index.html· checked 29 Sept 2026