Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to population genetics and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Allele Frequency

The relative frequency of an allele at a genetic locus in a population, expressed as a proportion.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A principle that states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype even when heterozygous with a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

An allele that only expresses its phenotype when in a homozygous condition.

p and q

Variables representing the frequencies of the dominant and recessive alleles, respectively, where p + q = 1.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism that result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism, particularly in relation to a specific trait.

p² + 2pq + q²

The equation used to calculate genotype frequencies in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Q²

The frequency of homozygous recessive genotypes in a population.

Evolution

A change in the allele frequency in a population over time.