In a diploid population of 100 individuals, the genotype counts are 40,AA, 50,Aa and 10,aa. What is the frequency of allele “a” in this population?
Answer
0.35
The correct answer is 0.35 — Frequency of “a” = “number of “a” alleles“ divided by “total alleles“, i.e., .
Step-by-step solution
- Total number of individuals = 100, so total number of alleles = .
- Count the number of “a” alleles: each “Aa” individual contributes one “a” and each “aa” individual contributes two.
- Number of “a” alleles = .
- Frequency of “a” = “number of “a” alleles“ divided by “total alleles“, i.e., .
Common mistake: Counting heterozygotes as having two copies of the allele instead of one
Concept tested: Allele frequency calculation
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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