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In this experiment, we aimed to test the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium using a population simulation with 100 colored beads. The beads were divided equally into two colors, blue and yellow, representing different genotypes. We applied the Hardy-Weinberg formula to calculate the expected genotype and allelic frequencies. Through random sampling with replacement, we generated observed genotype frequencies for 50 individuals. Our results were compared to the expected frequencies to determine if the population was in genetic equilibrium.
The Hardy-Weinberg principle, developed by Godfrey Harold Hardy and Wilhelm Weinberg in 1908, is a mathematical model that describes the genetic equilibrium in sexually reproducing populations.
Genetic equilibrium occurs when neither allele nor genotype frequencies change across generations. This equilibrium relies on specific conditions: the absence of mutations, a closed population, infinite size, equal survival and reproduction of all genotypes, and random mating.
The Hardy-Weinberg formula is expressed as:
P2 + 2pq + q2 = 1
Where P2, 2pq, and q2 are the frequencies of the genotypes AA, Aa, and aa, respectively.
Deviations from these conditions, such as mutations, gene flow, genetic drift, natural selection, and non-random mating, can lead to microevolutionary changes.
Natural populations rarely meet all the Hardy-Weinberg conditions due to various factors leading to microevolution. Mutations may accumulate over time and influence gene pools in subsequent generations. Other factors also impact allele frequencies in populations.
Using the Hardy-Weinberg equation:
P2 + 2pq + q2 = 1
Where P = 0.50 and q = 0.50, we calculated the following:
Allelic Frequency | Genotypic Number (and Frequency) | Allelic Frequency | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | a | AA | Aa | aa | A | a |
0.50 | 0.50 | 0.25 * 50 = 12.5 | 0.50 * 50 = 25 | 0.25 * 50 = 12.5 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
Genotype frequency:
Genotype | Total Number of Individuals | Genotype Frequency | Number of A Alleles | Number of a Alleles |
---|---|---|---|---|
AA | 12 | 12/50 = 0.24 | 2 * 12 = 24 | 0 * 12 = 0 |
Aa | 22 | 22/50 = 0.44 | 1 * 22 = 22 | 1 * 22 = 22 |
aa | 16 | 16/50 = 0.32 | 0 * 16 = 0 | 2 * 16 = 32 |
Totals | 50 | 1.0 | 46 | 54 |
Allele frequency:
Total Number of A Alleles + Total Number of a Alleles |
---|
46 + 54 = 100 |
p = Frequency of A = 46/100 = 0.46
q = Frequency of a = 54/100 = 0.54
Genotype | Observed Value (o) | Expected Value (e) | Deviation (o - e) | d2 | d2/e |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA | 12 | 12.5 | -0.5 | 0.25 | 0.02 |
Aa | 22 | 25 | -3.0 | 9.0 | 0.36 |
aa | 16 | 12.5 | 3.5 | 12.25 | 0.98 |
Chi-Square (X2) = ∑d2/e = 1.36
This suggests that the population reached genetic equilibrium.
The Hardy-Weinberg principle is a valuable tool for determining whether a population is evolving. Our experiment demonstrated that when certain conditions are met, allele frequencies remain constant, and genetic equilibrium is achieved. However, real-world populations rarely fulfill all the conditions, leading to microevolutionary changes over time.
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Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedic. (2006, May 18). Hardy-Weinberg law. Retrieved from Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/Hardy-Weinberg-law
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Theodosius Dobzhansky, Arthur Robinson, Anthony J.F Griffiths. (2019, January 10). Heredity. Retrieved from Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/heredity-genetics/Extranuclear-DNA
Lab Report: Testing the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. (2024, Jan 04). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/lab-report-testing-the-hardy-weinberg-principle
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