The frequency of an autosomal recessive condition is 0.001 (1 in 1000) in a population.What is the frequency of the mutant allele?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem involves Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which is used to calculate allele frequencies in a population. The frequency of the autosomal recessive condition (q²) is given as 0.001.
2. Recall the Hardy-Weinberg equation: p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where p is the frequency of the dominant allele, q is the frequency of the recessive allele, p² represents the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals, 2pq represents the frequency of heterozygous individuals, and q² represents the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals.
3. To find the frequency of the mutant allele (q), take the square root of q². Use the formula: $\sqrt{q²}$.
4. Substitute the given value of q² (0.001) into the formula: $\sqrt{0.001}$. This will give the value of q, which represents the frequency of the mutant allele.
5. Conclude that the calculated value of q represents the frequency of the mutant allele in the population. Ensure that the result is expressed as a decimal or percentage, depending on the context of the problem.

Key Concepts

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg Principle provides a mathematical framework for understanding allele and genotype frequencies in a population at equilibrium. It states that in a large, randomly mating population with no evolutionary influences, the frequencies of alleles and genotypes will remain constant from generation to generation. This principle is essential for calculating allele frequencies, particularly in the context of autosomal recessive conditions.

Allele Frequency

Allele frequency refers to how often a particular allele appears in a population compared to other alleles for the same gene. In the case of an autosomal recessive condition, the frequency of the mutant allele can be derived from the frequency of affected individuals. Understanding allele frequency is crucial for predicting the likelihood of genetic conditions within a population.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

Autosomal recessive inheritance occurs when two copies of a mutant allele are necessary for an individual to express a trait or condition. In a population, the frequency of affected individuals can be used to estimate the frequency of the recessive allele using the formula q^2 = frequency of affected individuals, where q represents the frequency of the recessive allele. This concept is fundamental for solving questions related to genetic conditions and their prevalence.