Consider rare disorders in a population caused by an autosomal recessive mutation. From the frequencies of the disorder in the population given, calculate the percentage of heterozygous carriers:

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Key Concepts

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

Autosomal recessive inheritance refers to a pattern where two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent, are necessary for an individual to express a disorder. Carriers, who have one normal and one mutated gene, do not show symptoms but can pass the mutation to their offspring. This concept is crucial for understanding how disorders manifest in a population and the implications for carrier frequency.

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 calculating carrier frequencies and understanding population genetics, particularly in the context of autosomal recessive disorders.

Carrier Frequency Calculation

Carrier frequency calculation involves determining the proportion of individuals in a population who carry one copy of a recessive allele. For autosomal recessive disorders, if the frequency of affected individuals is known, the carrier frequency can be estimated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation. This calculation is vital for assessing the risk of passing on genetic disorders and for public health strategies.