Question

In the case of complete dominance in a population in equilibrium, we cannot tell which individuals are homozygous dominants and which are heterozygous. However, we can estimate the frequency of homozygous dominant and heterozygous genotypes if we know what?

Answer 1

In a population in equilibrium, the frequencies of homozygous dominant individuals (AA) is p squared, the frequency of heterozygous individuals (Aa) is 2pq, and the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals (aa) is q squared.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of complete dominance in a population in equilibrium, the frequencies of the genotypes can be estimated if we know the allele frequencies (p and q).

The frequency of homozygous dominant individuals (AA) can be calculated by squaring the frequency of the dominant allele (p).

The frequency of heterozygous individuals (Aa) can be calculated by multiplying the frequencies of the two alleles and then multiplying by 2.

The frequency of homozygous recessive individuals (aa) can be calculated by squaring the frequency of the recessive allele (q).

For example, if the frequency of the dominant allele (p) is 0.6 and the frequency of the recessive allele (q) is 0.4, the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals (AA) would be 0.6 squared, which is 0.36.

The frequency of heterozygous individuals (Aa) would be 2 times 0.6 times 0.4, which is 0.48.

And the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals (aa) would be 0.4 squared, which is 0.16.

So therefore the frequencies of homozygous dominant individuals (AA) is p squared, the frequency of heterozygous individuals (Aa) is 2pq, and the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals (aa) is q squared.