What is genetic equilibrium?a)When all the alleles of a gene are prese...
This principle says that allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation.
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What is genetic equilibrium?a)When all the alleles of a gene are prese...
Understanding Genetic Equilibrium
Genetic equilibrium, also known as Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, is a fundamental concept in population genetics. It describes a state in which the genetic composition of a population remains stable over time.
Key Characteristics of Genetic Equilibrium:
- Constant Allele Frequencies: In genetic equilibrium, the frequencies of alleles (alternative forms of a gene) in a population do not change from one generation to the next. This stability implies that the genetic variation remains constant.
- No Evolutionary Forces: For a population to achieve genetic equilibrium, it must be free from evolutionary influences such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, migration, and non-random mating. These factors can alter allele frequencies, leading to evolution.
- Mathematical Model: The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical framework to predict genotype frequencies based on allele frequencies. It states that in a large, randomly mating population, the expected genotype frequencies can be calculated using the equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where p and q represent the frequencies of two alleles.
Importance of Genetic Equilibrium:
- Baseline for Comparison: Genetic equilibrium serves as a baseline to identify when a population is evolving. By comparing real populations to this model, scientists can detect changes in allele frequencies and understand evolutionary processes.
- Understanding Population Genetics: Studying genetic equilibrium helps in understanding the dynamics of genetic diversity, conservation biology, and the mechanisms of evolution.
In conclusion, option 'D' is correct because genetic equilibrium refers specifically to the condition where the frequency of particular genes or alleles remains constant in a population through generations, signifying no evolutionary change.