Question

In humans, red blood cells have a number of proteins embedded in the cell membrane. One type of protein, the Rh factor, is controlled by a single gene and is either present or missing from the red blood cells. If present, the individual has the Rh+ phenotype. Of missing, the individual has the Rh− phenotype. Rh+ is the dominant to Rh−. Suppose that, in the Welsh population, the frequency of the Rh− phenotype is 0.04. Using the Hardy–Weinberg equations, calculate the frequency of the Rh allele to at least two decimal places.

Answer 1

Frequency of Rh-= 0.20

Frequency of Rh+ = 0.80

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the given information, the allele Rh- is recessive to the allele Rh+. The given frequency of homozygous recessive genotype (Rh-Rh-) in the Welsh population is 0.04

Therefore, the frequency of homozygous recessive phenotype in the population (q^2)= 0.04

The frequency of recessive allele (Rh-)= square root of 0.04 = 0.20

Since the population is in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, p+q=1

Here, p= frequency of dominant allele

q = frequency of recessive allele

Since the frequency of a recessive allele (q)=0.2 0

So, frequency of dominant allele (p)= 1-0.2 = 0.8 0