1. What is the Hardy-Weinberg Principle?

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences. It provides a mathematical model for studying population genetics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Hardy-Weinberg equation:

Where:

• \( q \) — Frequency of recessive allele (dimensionless)
• \( q^2 \) — Frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates the frequency of a recessive allele from the observed frequency of the homozygous recessive genotype in a population.

3. Importance of Allele Frequency Calculation

Details: Calculating allele frequencies is fundamental in population genetics, helping researchers understand genetic variation, predict disease risks, and study evolutionary processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (q²) as a decimal between 0 and 1. The calculator will compute the recessive allele frequency (q).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
A: The assumptions include: no mutations, random mating, no natural selection, extremely large population size, and no gene flow.

Q2: How can I verify if a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
A: Compare observed genotype frequencies with expected frequencies calculated from allele frequencies using a chi-square test.

Q3: What does a q value of 0.5 mean?
A: It means the recessive allele frequency is 50% in the population.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for dominant traits?
A: Yes, but you would need to calculate p (dominant allele frequency) as 1 - q.

Q5: What are typical q values in human populations?
A: For most genetic traits, q values are typically small (often <0.1), though this varies by specific trait and population.