Question

The Hardy - Weinberg equation is used to

• A. Predict the alleles in the gene pool of the next generation.
• B. Describe the genetic makeup of individuals in a population.
• C. Predict an increase or decrease in the size of a population.
• D. Determine the frequency of mutations

Answer 1

The correct option is A Predict the alleles in the gene pool of the next generation.

The Hardy - Weinberg equation helps predict the allelic composition in the gene pool of the next generation, without having to physically examine the genetic makeup of each individual. According to this equation, if ‘p’ represents the frequency of occurrence of a dominant allele in a population, and ‘q’ represents that of the respective recessive allele, then $p^2+2pq+q^2=1$.