Population Genetics: Calculating Allele Frequency of Black Fur Gene
What is the frequency of the black fur allele in a population of squirrels with red or black fur?
Given data:
- Total number of squirrels: 100
- Red squirrels: 84
- Black squirrels: 16
Assuming complete dominance and following Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, how can we calculate the frequency of the black fur allele?
Frequency of Black Fur Allele Calculation:
To calculate the frequency of the black fur allele in the squirrel population, we first establish the genetic structure based on the data provided:
- Let R represent the dominant allele for red fur
- Let r represent the recessive allele for black fur
Using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, we can determine the frequency of the recessive allele:
- Number of black squirrels (F(rr)): 16
- Total population size (N): 100
The frequency of the recessive allele (f(r)) can be calculated as follows:
F(rr) = q² = 16/100 = 0.16
By taking the square root of F(rr), we derive the allelic frequency:
f(r) = q = √0.16 = 0.4
Therefore, the frequency of the black fur allele in the squirrel population is 0.4.
Understanding the genetic composition of a population and the frequencies of different alleles is essential in the field of population genetics. In this scenario, we are examining a group of squirrels with red or black fur, where red is the dominant trait and black is the recessive trait determined by a single, diallelic gene.
With a total of 100 squirrels in the population, consisting of 84 red squirrels and 16 black squirrels, we aim to ascertain the frequency of the black fur allele utilizing the principles of genetics and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
By defining the dominant allele (R) for red fur and the recessive allele (r) for black fur, we can apply the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to calculate the allelic frequency. Complete dominance dictates that the dominant allele masks the expression of the recessive allele, resulting in phenotypic expression.
Considering the genotypic frequencies of the population and the number of black squirrels, we are able to determine the frequency of the recessive allele (f(r)) as 0.4. This calculation provides valuable insights into the genetic composition and inheritance patterns within the squirrel population.