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

Options

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

Answer

To find the frequency of heterozygotes in a random mating population at equilibrium, we can use the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify Allele Frequencies
We are given:
- Frequency of allele 'A' (p) = 0.6
- Frequency of allele 'a' (q) = 0.4

### Step 2: Verify Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Since the problem states that the population is in random mating at equilibrium, we can apply the Hardy-Weinberg principle, which assumes that allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in a large population.

### Step 3: Use the Hardy-Weinberg Formula
The Hardy-Weinberg equation is:
\[ p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 \]
Where:
- \( p^2 \) = frequency of homozygous dominant genotype (AA)
- \( 2pq \) = frequency of heterozygous genotype (Aa)
- \( q^2 \) = frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (aa)

### Step 4: Calculate the Frequency of Heterozygotes
To find the frequency of heterozygotes (2pq):
\[ 2pq = 2 \times p \times q \]
Substituting the values:
\[ 2pq = 2 \times 0.6 \times 0.4 \]

### Step 5: Perform the Calculation
Calculating:
\[ 2pq = 2 \times 0.6 \times 0.4 = 2 \times 0.24 = 0.48 \]

### Conclusion
The frequency of heterozygotes in the population is **0.48**.

### Summary of Steps:
1. Identify allele frequencies (p and q).
2. Confirm the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
3. Use the Hardy-Weinberg formula to find heterozygote frequency.
4. Substitute values and calculate.