Final answer:
The expected frequency of the f allele in the next generation, considering the mutation rate only, would be approximately the current frequency (q = 0.07) plus the product of the mutation rate and the proportion of non-f alleles. Given the very low mutation rate, this change would be minuscule.
Step-by-step explanation:
In population genetics, the Hardy-Weinberg Principle is used to predict the genetic variation of a population under ideal conditions. The principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of other evolutionary influences. However, factors such as mutation can cause allele frequencies to change over time.
The student has provided the current frequency of the f allele as q = 0.07, and its mutation rate as μ = 5 x 10-11 per generation. To determine the expected frequency of the f allele in the next generation, we would need to consider both the existing frequency of the allele and the new mutations added to the population. Assuming no other evolutionary forces act upon the allele, the new frequency of the f allele (q') is approximately q + μ(1 - q), because the mutation rate applies to the proportion of alleles that are not already f alleles.
Therefore, the expected frequency of the f allele in the next generation is:
q' = q + μ(1 - q) = 0.07 + (5 x 10-11)(1 - 0.07)
Given the extremely low mutation rate, the change in allele frequency due to mutation alone is so small that it would not significantly affect the allele frequency from one generation to the next.