Question

Choose the wrong statement regarding Hardy-Weinberg principle.

• A. Sum total of all the allelic frequencies in a population is 1
• B. Variation due to genetic drift results in changed frequency of genes and alleles in future generations
• C. Genetic recombination helps in maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
• D. Natural selection can lead to stabilisation, directional change or disruption

Answer 1

The correct option is C Genetic recombination helps in maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Hardy Weinberg states that the allele frequencies remain constant in successive generations in a population which does not undergo evolutionary change.

The Hardy-Weinberg equation used to determine genotype frequencies is:
$p^2+2pq+q^2=1$.

Where $p^2$ represents the frequency of the homozygous dominant genotype.

$2pq$ represents the frequency of the heterozygous genotype.

$q^2$ represents the frequency of the homozygous recessive genotype.

Assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg principle are as follows:

• Population should be large.
• There must be random mating.
• No migration.
• No mutation.
• No natural selection as it leads to stabilising, directional or disruptive changes.

Factors which changes the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium are as follows:

• Genetic drift
• Gene recombination
• Migration
• Mutations

Hence the correct option is
d. Genetic recombination helps in maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium