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What is the Hardy-Weinberg equation used to describe?
What is the assumption about the population's size in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?
What does the term 'p' represent in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?
What is the term '2pq' used to calculate in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?
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What is one of the applications of the Hardy-Weinberg equation in forensic science?
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What is a key concept of the Hardy-Weinberg equation?
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Study Notes
Hardy-Weinberg Equation
The Hardy-Weinberg equation is a mathematical model used to describe the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population. It is a fundamental concept in population genetics.
Assumptions:
- The population is large and randomly mating.
- There is no mutation, migration, or genetic drift.
- The population is not subject to natural selection.
Equation:
p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1
Where:
- p is the frequency of the dominant allele (B)
- q is the frequency of the recessive allele (b)
- p + q = 1 (the sum of the frequencies of the two alleles is 1)
Interpretation:
- p^2 represents the frequency of the homozygous dominant genotype (BB)
- 2pq represents the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (Bb)
- q^2 represents the frequency of the homozygous recessive genotype (bb)
Key Concepts:
- The Hardy-Weinberg equation is a mathematical model that describes the genetic structure of a population at equilibrium.
- The equation assumes that the population is not evolving and that the allele frequencies remain constant.
- The equation can be used to calculate the genotype frequencies from the allele frequencies and vice versa.
Applications:
- Forensic science: to analyze DNA evidence
- Medical genetics: to predict the risk of genetic disorders
- Evolutionary biology: to study the evolution of populations over time
Hardy-Weinberg Equation
- A mathematical model used to describe the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population.
- Fundamental concept in population genetics.
Assumptions
- Large and randomly mating population.
- No mutation, migration, or genetic drift.
- No natural selection.
Equation
- p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1
Variables
- p: frequency of dominant allele (B).
- q: frequency of recessive allele (b).
- p + q = 1 (sum of frequencies of two alleles is 1).
Interpretation
- p^2: frequency of homozygous dominant genotype (BB).
- 2pq: frequency of heterozygous genotype (Bb).
- q^2: frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (bb).
Key Concepts
- Describes genetic structure of a population at equilibrium.
- Assumes population is not evolving and allele frequencies remain constant.
- Can calculate genotype frequencies from allele frequencies and vice versa.
Applications
- Forensic science: analyzes DNA evidence.
- Medical genetics: predicts risk of genetic disorders.
- Evolutionary biology: studies evolution of populations over time.
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Description
This quiz covers the Hardy-Weinberg equation, a mathematical model describing allele and genotype frequencies in a population, and its assumptions and formula.
