Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation. However, they usually occur at very low frequencies. Assume a mutation resulting in a novel allele occurs in a gene in one individual in a population of 500 diploid individuals. What is the frequency of the new allele?
A)0)05
B)0)005
C)0)01
D)0)001

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of the new allele is calculated as the number of new alleles (1) divided by the total number of alleles in the population. Since the population is diploid and consists of 500 individuals, there are 1000 alleles in total (2 alleles per individual). Therefore, the frequency of the new allele is 1/1000 = 0.001.

Mutations Are the Ultimate Source of Genetic Variation