A Trait Has Two Alleles, Which Are Represented By P P P And Q Q Q . If P = 0.44 P = 0.44 P = 0.44 , What Is Q Q Q ?A. 0.75 B. 0.56 C. 0.44 D. 0.25

In genetics, an allele is a variant of a gene that occupies a specific location on a chromosome. Alleles can be represented by letters, and in this case, we have two alleles represented by $p$ and $q$. The frequency of an allele in a population is denoted by its symbol, and in this scenario, we are given that $p = 0.44$. This means that the allele represented by $p$ has a frequency of 0.44 in the population.

The Relationship Between Alleles and Their Frequencies

When dealing with two alleles, we need to consider their frequencies and how they relate to each other. The frequency of one allele is often related to the frequency of the other allele. In this case, we are asked to find the frequency of the allele represented by $q$, given that $p = 0.44$.

Using the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to Solve the Problem

The Hardy-Weinberg principle is a fundamental concept in population genetics that describes how allele frequencies change over time in a population. According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, the frequency of an allele remains constant from one generation to the next if the population is large, randomly mating, and not subject to genetic drift or mutation.

One of the key equations derived from the Hardy-Weinberg principle is the relationship between the frequencies of two alleles. This equation is given by:

$$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$$

where $p$ and $q$ are the frequencies of the two alleles.

Solving for $q$

We are given that $p = 0.44$. We can substitute this value into the equation above and solve for $q$.

$$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$$

$$0.44^2 + 2(0.44)q + q^2 = 1$$

$$0.1936 + 0.88q + q^2 = 1$$

$$q^2 + 0.88q - 0.8064 = 0$$

We can solve this quadratic equation for $q$ using the quadratic formula:

$$q = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$

where $a = 1$, $b = 0.88$, and $c = -0.8064$.

$$q = \frac{-0.88 \pm \sqrt{0.88^2 - 4(1)(-0.8064)}}{2(1)}$$

$$q = \frac{-0.88 \pm \sqrt{0.7744 + 3.2264}}{2}$$

$$q = \frac{-0.88 \pm \sqrt{3.9992}}{2}$$

$$q = \frac{-0.88 \pm 2}{2}$$

We have two possible solutions for $q$:

$$q = \frac{-0.88 + 2}{2} = 0.56$$

$$q = \frac{-0.88 - 2}{2} = -1.44$$

However, the frequency of an allele cannot be negative, so we discard the solution $q = -1.44$.

Conclusion

Therefore, the frequency of the allele represented by $q$ is $q = 0.56$.

Answer

In the previous article, we discussed the concept of alleles and their frequencies in a population. We also used the Hardy-Weinberg principle to solve a problem involving the frequency of an allele. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about alleles and their frequencies.

Q: What is an allele?

A: An allele is a variant of a gene that occupies a specific location on a chromosome. Alleles can be represented by letters, and in this case, we have two alleles represented by $p$ and $q$.

Q: What is the frequency of an allele?

A: The frequency of an allele in a population is denoted by its symbol. For example, if we have an allele represented by $p$, its frequency is denoted by $p$. The frequency of an allele is a measure of how common or rare it is in a population.

Q: How do we represent the frequency of an allele?

A: We represent the frequency of an allele by a number between 0 and 1. For example, if an allele has a frequency of 0.44, it means that 44% of the population has that allele.

Q: What is the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

A: The Hardy-Weinberg principle is a fundamental concept in population genetics that describes how allele frequencies change over time in a population. According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, the frequency of an allele remains constant from one generation to the next if the population is large, randomly mating, and not subject to genetic drift or mutation.

Q: How do we use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to solve problems involving allele frequencies?

A: We use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to solve problems involving allele frequencies by using the equation $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$, where $p$ and $q$ are the frequencies of the two alleles.

Q: What is the relationship between the frequencies of two alleles?

A: The frequency of one allele is often related to the frequency of the other allele. In this case, we are asked to find the frequency of the allele represented by $q$, given that $p = 0.44$.

Q: How do we solve for $q$?

A: We can solve for $q$ by substituting the value of $p$ into the equation $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$ and solving for $q$.

Q: What is the correct answer for the problem involving the frequency of the allele represented by $q$?

A: The correct answer is B. 0.56.

Q: What is the importance of understanding allele frequencies?

A: Understanding allele frequencies is important because it helps us understand how genetic traits are inherited and how they change over time in a population. It also helps us predict the likelihood of certain genetic disorders or traits in a population.

Q: What are some real-world applications of understanding allele frequencies?

A: Some real-world applications of understanding allele frequencies include:

• Predicting the likelihood of genetic disorders or traits in a population
• Understanding how genetic traits are inherited
• Developing genetic tests for certain diseases or traits
• Understanding how genetic variation affects the evolution of a population

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about alleles and their frequencies. We also discussed the importance of understanding allele frequencies and some real-world applications of this concept.