Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Genetics Hardy–Weinberg Equation Explained!

Word Count Emoji
434 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Hey there, future biologist! 🌟 Ready to unravel the secrets of how genes bounce around in a population? Let's dive into the awesome world of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and use it to solve some real-world mysteries! 🕵️‍♀️

What is the Hardy-Weinberg Equation? 🤔

Imagine you're in a big ol' candy store with only two types of candies - red and blue. If you know how many red candies are in the store today, could you guess how many will be there tomorrow? The Hardy-Weinberg equation is kinda like that, but for genes!

👉 Equation: p2+2pq + q= 1

  • p: Frequency of dominant allele (Let's call this one "The Cool Kid")
  • q: Frequency of recessive allele (Let's call this one "The Underdog")
  • p2: Frequency of homozygous dominant genotype (Two Cool Kids)
  • 2pq: Frequency of heterozygous genotype (One Cool Kid hangs out with one Underdog)
  • q2: Frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (Two Underdogs)

Remember, p + q = 1 because there are only two alleles in this case, and they make up 100% of the gene pool.

Example - Albinism ⚪

Albinism is like nature's bleach; it takes away pigmentation in skin and hair. It's caused by a recessive allele.

  • Frequency of albinism: 1/20000
  • q= 1/20000
  • q = \(\sqrt{\frac {1}{20000}}\)​ = 0.007

To find p (the non-albino allele)

  • p + 0.007 = 1
  • p = 0.993

To find other genotypes

  • Homozygous dominant: p= 0.993= 0.986
  • Heterozygous: 2pq = 2(0.993)(0.007) = 0.0139

👉 Real-World Example: Imagine a small town with 20,000 people. Based on these calculations, you'd expect just one person to have albinism! Think about it like finding a golden ticket in a huge pile of Willy Wonka chocolate bars. 🍫

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Genetics Hardy–Weinberg Equation Explained!

Word Count Emoji
434 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Hey there, future biologist! 🌟 Ready to unravel the secrets of how genes bounce around in a population? Let's dive into the awesome world of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and use it to solve some real-world mysteries! 🕵️‍♀️

What is the Hardy-Weinberg Equation? 🤔

Imagine you're in a big ol' candy store with only two types of candies - red and blue. If you know how many red candies are in the store today, could you guess how many will be there tomorrow? The Hardy-Weinberg equation is kinda like that, but for genes!

👉 Equation: p2+2pq + q= 1

  • p: Frequency of dominant allele (Let's call this one "The Cool Kid")
  • q: Frequency of recessive allele (Let's call this one "The Underdog")
  • p2: Frequency of homozygous dominant genotype (Two Cool Kids)
  • 2pq: Frequency of heterozygous genotype (One Cool Kid hangs out with one Underdog)
  • q2: Frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (Two Underdogs)

Remember, p + q = 1 because there are only two alleles in this case, and they make up 100% of the gene pool.

Example - Albinism ⚪

Albinism is like nature's bleach; it takes away pigmentation in skin and hair. It's caused by a recessive allele.

  • Frequency of albinism: 1/20000
  • q= 1/20000
  • q = \(\sqrt{\frac {1}{20000}}\)​ = 0.007

To find p (the non-albino allele)

  • p + 0.007 = 1
  • p = 0.993

To find other genotypes

  • Homozygous dominant: p= 0.993= 0.986
  • Heterozygous: 2pq = 2(0.993)(0.007) = 0.0139

👉 Real-World Example: Imagine a small town with 20,000 people. Based on these calculations, you'd expect just one person to have albinism! Think about it like finding a golden ticket in a huge pile of Willy Wonka chocolate bars. 🍫

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟