At a particular locus, frequency of allete A is 0.6 and that of allele a is 0.4. what would be the frequency of heterozygotes in a random mating population at equilibrium?

Options

A. 0.36
B. 0.16
C. 0.24
D. 0.48

Answer

D

Explanation

In a stable population, for a gene with two alleles, 'A' (dominant) and 'a' (recessive), if the frequency of 'A' is P and the frequency of 'a' is q, then the frequencies of the three possible genotypes (AA,Aa and aa) can be expressed by the Hardy-Weinberg equation:
`p^(2)+2pq+q^(2)=1`
where `p^(2)=` Freqeuncy of A A (homozygous dominant)
Inviduals
`q^(2)=` Frequency of Aa (heterozygous) individuals.
so, p=0.6 and q=0.4 (given)
`therefore 2pq` (frequency of heterozygote) `=2xx0.6xx0.4=0.48`.