Mastering Genetic Frequencies with the Hardy-Weinberg Equation

Mr. Andersen explains the Hardy-Weinberg equation, a tool for determining gene frequencies in a population. He defines key genetic terms like phenotype, genotype, and alleles, and uses examples to illustrate how these concepts relate to observable traits. The video covers the calculation of allele frequencies and the application of the Hardy-Weinberg equation to solve genetic problems, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between phenotypes and genotypes.

What is a phenotype?

• A type of allele

• The physical characteristics of an organism

• A section of DNA

• The genetic makeup of an organism

Which of the following represents a recessive allele for red hair?

• Little R

• Big A

• Little A

• Big R

What is a gene pool?

• A collection of all phenotypes in a population

• A collection of all dominant traits in a population

• A collection of all genotypes in a population

• A collection of all alleles in a population

In the Hardy-Weinberg equation, what does P squared represent?

• Frequency of homozygous recessive individuals

• Frequency of all alleles in a population

• Frequency of heterozygous individuals

• Frequency of homozygous dominant individuals

What is the sum of P and Q in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

• 3

• 0

• 1

• 2

If 2% of a population has red hair, what does this percentage represent in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

• P squared

• P

• 2PQ

• Q squared

How do you calculate the frequency of heterozygous individuals using the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

• P + Q

• 2PQ

• Q squared

• P squared

What is the first step in solving a Hardy-Weinberg problem?

• Find P and Q values

• Calculate Q squared

• Determine the phenotype

• Calculate P squared

If 12% of individuals in a population have red hair, what is the frequency of the recessive allele?

• 0.46

• 0.34

• 0.88

• 0.12

What does the term 'homozygous' mean?

• Having two identical alleles for a trait

• Having two different alleles for a trait

• Having one dominant and one recessive allele

• Having no alleles for a trait