What is the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

The Hardy-Weinberg equation is: p2+2pq+q2=1

It is important to remember that p+q also equals 1.

p2 is the frequency of the homozygous dominant genotype, and q2 the recessive. 2pq is the frequency of the heterozygous genotype.

p and q are the allele frequencies of the dominant and recessive allele respectively.

Exam questions will give you one frequency (either an allele or geno/phenotype frequency) and using this you will have to work out the other values that go into the equation in order to provide the answer that the particular question is looking for.

MC
Answered by Marlie C. Biology tutor

4439 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Question relating to human adaptations to cold environments: In a cold environment, humans use shivering as a method of keeping warm. Describe and explain the process of shivering.


Albumin (a globular protein) is a solute found in blood plasma. In liver disease, people cannot produce sufficient amounts of albumin. Describe and explain how this change would affect red blood cells.


What is the process of phagocytosis


Could you describe the blood flow through the heart?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning