Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Genetic Analysis Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions covering population genetics, Hardy-Weinberg calculations, X-linked inheritance, and genetic relationships.

Gene pool

The entire collection of alleles in a population, which totals $400$ alleles in a population of $200$ diploid individuals.

Hardy-Weinberg Equation

The formula used to calculate genotype frequencies in a population at equilibrium, expressed as $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$.

p

The variable representing the frequency of the dominant allele or the non-disease causing allele in a population.

q

The variable representing the frequency of the recessive allele or the disease-causing allele in a population.

Cystic fibrosis

A recessive disorder affecting approximately $1$ in $2,500$ individuals of Northern European descent, where affected individuals are homozygotes ($q^2$).

Heterozygous carriers

Individuals in a population who carry one dominant and one recessive allele, with their frequency calculated as $2pq$.

Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)

A substance that individuals carrying the dominant allele $T$ can taste; the probability of a taster being homozygous is calculated as $p^2 / (p^2 + 2pq)$.

Hemophilia

A disorder caused by an X-linked recessive allele where the frequency of affected males ($q$) is given as $1/4000$ in a particular population.

X-linked gene frequencies

Genetic frequencies where males express the trait at frequency $p$ or $q$, while females express the trait at $p^2$ or $q^2$ depending on dominance.

Penetrance

The proportion of individuals with a specific genotype who express the phenotype, noted as $100$ percent for certain X-linked dominant allele traits.

Heterozygous males (X-linked)

A classification that does not exist for X-linked genes because males carry only one X chromosome.

DNA sample

Biological evidence used to identify genetic relationships, such as determining if a claimant is the long-lost son of individuals like Mr. Big and Mrs. Big.