Population genetics · USMLE Step 1

If a population has allele frequencies p = 0.4 and q = 0.6, what is the expected frequency of homozygous recessive individuals?

  1. 0.12
  2. 0.16
  3. 0.36
  4. 0.64
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: 0.36

Homozygous recessive frequency is q² = 0.6² = 0.36. Hardy-Weinberg allows these predictions under equilibrium conditions. The other values represent heterozygotes or p².

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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