Population Genetics Part 1

These flashcards cover key terms, definitions, and concepts from the lecture on Population Genetics.

Population Genetics

The study of genetic variation within and between populations and species.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A model that describes non-evolving populations and preserves allele frequencies.

Allelea

Different forms of a gene that exist at a locus.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Phenotype

The observable physical and physiological traits of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

An allele that only expresses its phenotype when two copies are present.

Assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Random mating, infinite population size, no mutation, no selection, and no migration.

p (allele frequency)

The frequency of the dominant allele in a population.

q (allele frequency)

The frequency of the recessive allele in a population.

Genotypic Frequencies

The expected proportions of genotypes of a population based on allele frequencies.

Selection in Population Genetics

The process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population due to differential survival and reproduction.

Genetic Drift

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in small populations due to chance events.

Non-random Mating

Mating between individuals based on traits rather than random selection.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

Migration

The movement of individuals into or out of a population, affecting allele frequencies.

Inbreeding

Mating between closely related individuals, which can increase the chance of recessive traits being expressed.

Hardy-Weinberg Equation

The mathematical representation of allele frequencies in a population: p² + 2pq + q² = 1.

Zygote Formation

The process by which a sperm and egg unite to form a new organism.

Diploid Organism

An organism with two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.