Question

If the favorable allele is recessive, it will increase in frequency faster than if it was dominant. true or false?

Answer 1

The statement is false. If the favorable allele is recessive, it will not increase in frequency faster than if it was dominant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is false. If the favorable allele is recessive, it will not increase in frequency faster than if it was dominant.

In a population, the dominant allele will be expressed in individuals, while the recessive allele may remain latent but will be transmitted to offspring. However, for the recessive allele to increase in frequency, it needs to have individuals who are homozygous for the recessive allele. This is less likely to occur compared to individuals who are heterozygous or homozygous for the dominant allele, which can lead to a slower increase in frequency.

For example, if the recessive allele is represented by 'a' and the dominant allele by 'A', individuals with the genotype 'AA' and 'Aa' will display the dominant phenotype, while only individuals with the genotype 'aa' will show the recessive phenotype. Because individuals with the dominant phenotype can have different genotypes, the dominant allele has a higher chance of being passed on to the next generation, making its frequency increase faster.

Answer 2

If the favorable allele is recessive, it will increase in frequency faster than if it was dominant.

False.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the increase in frequency of a recessive favorable allele compared to a dominant one, it's crucial to acknowledge how these alleles express themselves in the population. In the case of a recessive allele, its expression is only visible when an organism carries two copies (rr) of that specific allele. In contrast, a dominant allele (AA or Aa) manifests its effects with just one copy.

The rate of increase in frequency of a favorable allele depends on its mode of expression. Recessive alleles stay 'hidden' in heterozygous individuals (Aa) without contributing visibly to the phenotype, which results in a slower increase in frequency across generations. Dominant alleles, on the other hand, display their effects when present in heterozygous individuals, allowing their frequency to rise faster as they impact the phenotype more visibly.

The calculations for allele frequencies involve complex population genetics equations considering factors such as selection, mutation, migration, and genetic drift. However, the fundamental understanding lies in the mode of expression of alleles and their contribution to the phenotype, which dictates their rates of increase in a population.