Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in certain Caucasian populations. In some populations, approximately 1 in 2000 children have CF. Determine the frequency of CF carriers in this population.

Key Concepts

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

Autosomal recessive inheritance occurs when a trait or disorder is expressed only when an individual has two copies of the recessive allele, one inherited from each parent. Carriers, who have one recessive allele and one dominant allele, do not exhibit the disorder but can pass the recessive allele to their offspring. Understanding this inheritance pattern is crucial for calculating carrier frequencies in populations.

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical framework for understanding genetic variation in a population at equilibrium. It states that allele and genotype frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences. This principle is essential for estimating carrier frequencies and understanding the genetic structure of populations.

Carrier Frequency Calculation

Carrier frequency refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who carry one copy of a recessive allele for a genetic disorder. To calculate this for cystic fibrosis, one can use the Hardy-Weinberg equation, where the frequency of the recessive phenotype (CF) helps determine the frequency of carriers. This calculation is vital for understanding the prevalence of genetic disorders in specific populations.