What does the Hardy-Weinberg equation predict?

Question

Lydia Adams · Accepted Answer

Hardy Weinberg equation does not predict: it helps us to derive allele frequencies of a particular gene within a population.

Hardy Weinberg equation could be applied to determine frequencies of different aleles (in percentage) within a population.

Homozygous recessive organisms are readily recognised in a population but organisms showing dominant phenotypic trait could be either homozygous or heterozygous. In other words, recessive alleles are carried within the genotype of heterozygous individuals though they exhibit dominant character.

Sum of frequencies of alleles of a gene is 1 according to HW equation. Also:

From the number of homozygous recessive organisms (represented by #q^2#) in a population, allele frequency ( q ) of recessive allele is determined.

Hence 1-q is allele frequency (p) of dominant allele. Number of carriers (2pq) can also be derived.

Cooper Alexander · Answer

undefined The Hardy-Weinberg equation predicts the genotype frequencies of a population that is not evolving. It describes the relationship between allele frequencies and genotype frequencies in an idealized population under certain conditions: no mutation, no migration, random mating, large population size, and no selection pressure.