The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population. Of 100 individuals, 40 were blood type M, 20 were blood type MN and 40 were blood type N. From this data it is possible to conclude that A. the frequency of the L N allele is 0.3. B. the frequency of the L M allele is 0.5. C. there are 60 L M alleles in this population. D. there is a total pool of 100 alleles at this locus for this population.

SSCE VCE Biology Genetic Diversity and Adaptations: The frequencies of the phenotype

The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2004 - Paper 1

Question 14

The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population. Of 100 individuals, 40 were blood type M, 20 were blood type MN and 4... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2004 - Paper 1

Step 1

the frequency of the LN allele is 0.3.

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Answer

To calculate the frequency of the LN allele, we need to consider the total number of alleles. In a population of 100 individuals, there are 200 alleles (2 for each individual). The number of LN alleles in this population can be calculated by considering the blood types. Type N has no LM alleles, contributing 80 LN alleles (40 from type N and 0 from type MN). Thus, the frequency is:

$f(L_N) = \frac{80}{200} = 0.4$

This means the statement is incorrect.

Step 2

the frequency of the LM allele is 0.5.

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Answer

Next, we calculate the frequency of the LM allele. The type M individuals contribute 80 LM alleles (40 from type M and 20 from type MN). Thus, the calculation is:

$f(L_M) = \frac{100}{200} = 0.5$

This statement is accurate.

Step 3

there are 60 LM alleles in this population.

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Answer

We already calculated that there are 100 LM alleles in total. Therefore, this statement is false.

Step 4

there is a total pool of 100 alleles at this locus for this population.

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Answer

As established, there are 200 alleles in this population (2 alleles per individual for 100 individuals). Thus, this statement is also incorrect.

The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2004 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The frequencies of the phenotypes of the MN blood group were measured in a European population - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2004 - Paper 1

the frequency of the L<sub>N</sub> allele is 0.3.

the frequency of the L<sub>M</sub> allele is 0.5.

there are 60 L<sub>M</sub> alleles in this population.

there is a total pool of 100 alleles at this locus for this population.

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