Question

According to the Hardy-Weinberg theorem, which of the following represents the organisms possessing the dominant phenotype in a population?

• A. $p^2$
• B. $2pq$
• C. $p^2+2pq$
• D. $2pq+q^2$
• E. $q^2$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $p^2$

The Hardy-Weinberg law or Hardy-Weinberg theorem or Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is the fundamental law of population genetics which provides the basis for studying the Mendelian populations. This law was independently developed by GH Hardy, an English mathematician and G Weinberg, a German physician in 1908. This law states that genes and genotypic frequencies in a mendelian population remain constant generation after generation, if there is no selection, mutation, migration or random drift.

Hardy-Weinberg principle gives the geneticists a tool to determine when evolution is occurring. It uses the binomial expression p² + 2pq + q² to calculate the genotypic and allele frequencies of a population.

where, p² = % homozygous dominant individuals

p = frequency of dominant allele

q² = % homozygous recessive individuals

q = frequency of recessive allele

2pq = % heterozygous individuals

Hence the organisms possessing the dominant phenotype in a population are represented by p².

So, the correct answer is 'p²'.