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Population genetics

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A sample contains 20 AA, 60 Aa and 20 aa individuals. What is the frequency of A?

  1. 0.50
  2. 0.80
  3. 0.20
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0.50

(2 x 20 + 60) / (2 x 100) = 100/200 = 0.50.

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When p = q = 0.5, which expected genotype distribution follows?

  1. One third of each genotype
  2. 25% AA, 50% Aa, 25% aa
  3. 50% AA and 50% aa, with no Aa
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25% AA, 50% Aa, 25% aa

The homozygotes each have frequency 0.25 and the two heterozygote routes total 0.50.

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A recessive phenotype has frequency 0.16 in an equilibrium population. What is the expected heterozygote frequency?

  1. 0.48
  2. 0.16
  3. 0.40
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0.48

q = 0.4, p = 0.6, and 2pq = 2 x 0.6 x 0.4 = 0.48.

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In an equilibrium population, 1 in 2,500 people has a recessive condition. About what fraction of people are carriers?

  1. About 1 in 2,500
  2. About 1 in 50
  3. About 1 in 25
  4. About 1 in 1,250
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About 1 in 25

q squared = 1/2,500, so q = 1/50 = 0.02, p = 0.98, and 2pq = 2 x 0.98 x 0.02, about 0.04 or 1 in 25.

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Which change can alter genotype frequencies without immediately changing allele frequencies?

  1. Migrants with different allele frequencies join the population.
  2. An A allele mutates into a.
  3. Individuals preferentially mate with others of the same genotype.
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Individuals preferentially mate with others of the same genotype.

Non-random combinations can redistribute the same alleles among genotypes.

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Which is NOT an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg model?

  1. Mating is random
  2. There is no migration
  3. The population is very large
  4. The dominant allele is more common
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The dominant allele is more common

The model makes no assumption about which allele is commoner; it works for any p and q.

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Which finding most directly supports heterozygote advantage at a locus?

  1. Aa individuals leave more surviving offspring than both AA and aa in the same environment.
  2. All three genotypes are present in one sample.
  3. Aa individuals have a phenotype intermediate between AA and aa, so they look different from both.
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Aa individuals leave more surviving offspring than both AA and aa in the same environment.

Higher heterozygote reproductive success can maintain both alleles.

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Write a short answer, then compare it with a sample and check for missing ideas.

Question 1 of 7

Count the allele pool

4 marks

A diploid population sample has 40 AA, 80 Aa and 80 aa individuals. Calculate the observed Aa frequency and both allele frequencies. Explain whether this calculation requires equilibrium. [4]

Use N for genotype frequency and 2N for allele frequency.

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