Re: Is their any mathamatical eqations that are used to figure genetics?

Howdy -

In fact, many areas of mathematics are integral to using and understanding genetics. I'll refer you to a prior file on probabilities concerning genetic crosses for one area.

A second topic you might like to approach is that of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium for genetic alleles within a population. In addition to what I discuss below, I would recommend finding a good biology text such as "Biology" by Helena Curtiss so you can read further about the subject. The "math" behind the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium goes along the following lines:

1. You have a "gene" with two alleles, p and q.
2. Each allele has a particular frquency within the population, so if the frequency of the p allele is 40%, q = 60%. This is usually represented as p = 0.4, and q = 0.6
3. p + q = 1
4. Now square both sides: (p + q)^2 = 1^2
   Do the algebra, and you have p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1.
5. Think about the above.. how does the above equation fit with biology and what you know about inheritance?

     p = .4     q = .6        -->  p + q = 1   --> .4 + .6 = 1 (OK!)

     (p + q)^2 = 1            -->  p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1

     Now put the numbers in..

     .4^2 + 2(.4 X .6) + .6^2 = 1
     .16 + .48 + .36 = 1   (Do they add to 1???)

So.. given frequencies for genes, you can calculate percentages for what part of the population will possess a given *genotype*.

To make things more fun.. what if I tell you that in a particular population 1% of all individuals are homozygous for p (genotype pp). (1) How would you go about calculating the frequencies of p and q. (2) How would you calculate the percentage of people who are heterozygous, and those who are homozygous for q (qq). You need only principles from algebra to solve the problem.

Have fun!

-L. Bry, MadSci Admin