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

Key Concepts

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg Principle provides a mathematical framework for understanding genetic variation in a population. 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.

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. Carriers, who possess one normal and one mutant allele, do not exhibit the condition but can pass the mutant allele to their offspring. Understanding this inheritance pattern is crucial for determining carrier frequencies in a population.

Carrier Frequency Calculation

Carrier frequency refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who carry one copy of a mutant allele for a recessive condition. It can be calculated using the square root of the frequency of the recessive phenotype (q^2) to find the frequency of the recessive allele (q), and then applying the formula 2pq to find the carrier frequency (p being the frequency of the dominant allele). This calculation is vital for understanding the prevalence of genetic conditions.