Question

In a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of two alleles studied are 0.6 and 0.4. What will be the genotypic frequency of heterozygotes?

• A. 0.08
• B. 0.48
• C. 0.46
• D. 0.80

Answer 1

The correct option is B 0.48

Since both the allele frequencies are given p=0.6 and q=0.4, applying the condition for heterozygous that is 2pq, genotypic frequencies of heterozygotes can be calculated

2pq= $2\times 0.6\times 0.4$
2pq = 0.48

So the genotypic frequencies of heterozygotes are 0.48 means 48% of individuals in the population are heterozygous for the gene.