Question

If the frequency of an allele `a' in a given large unevolving population is 0.64 then, find out frequency of the other allele `b' in the same population.?

Answer 1

Try to get the answer using eqn a²+2ab+b²=1

You will get b²+1.28b-0.36=0

Then try to get b

Answer 2

In an unevolving population, the allele frequency follows the Hardy-Weinberg Principle.

According to this principle, the allele and the genotype of the large population remains constant for generations since there is no occurrence of mutation or random mating.

In such instances, the equation to use is p + q = 1 where p is allele a and q is allele b.  thus, putting the value of a in the equation, we find that the population has 0.36 frequency of allele b.