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

4595 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of Oxidative Phosphorylation in cellular respiration


Some plant cells contain the polymer starch. Explain how the structure and properties of starch are related to its function as a storage molecule.


Using Fick's Law, explain how rapid gaseous exchange takes place in a mammal


How does genetic variation occur in meiosis?


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