Question

Why are Hardy-Weinberg calculations more complicated if a gene has many alleles that affect the phenotype?

Short answer

The Hardy-Weinberg equations become more complicated when more alleles affect the phenotype because each new allele adds a new variable to the mathematical calculations. Instead of a simple three-term equation (\(p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1\)), the increase in the number of alleles results in more terms in the equation, representing additional possible genotypes.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg principle predicts that gene frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation unless some form of evolutionary forces intervene.

Equation of Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The equation is \(p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1\), with \(p^2\) representing the frequency of one homozygous population, \(2pq\) the frequency of heterozygous population, and \(q^2\) the frequency of another homozygous population.

Complexity with More Alleles

If there are more than two alleles affecting a phenotype, there are many genotypes to consider when making calculations. Each new allele adds a new variable to the equation, making the calculation more complex.