Let's analyze the Hardy-Weinberg equation, which is:
[tex]\[
p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1
\][/tex]
This equation is used in population genetics to describe the genetic variation in a population that is not affected by evolutionary influences. Here’s what each term represents:
1. [tex]\( p^2 \)[/tex]: This term represents the frequency of the homozygous dominant genotype (AA) in the population.
2. [tex]\( q^2 \)[/tex]: This term represents the frequency of the homozygous recessive genotype (aa) in the population.
3. [tex]\( 2pq \)[/tex]: This term represents the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (Aa) in the population.
4. The sum [tex]\( p^2 + 2pq + q^2 \)[/tex] equals 1, which represents the total frequency of all possible genotypes in the population.
Given the Hardy-Weinberg equation:
[tex]\[ p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 \][/tex]
and considering the definitions:
- [tex]\( p^2 \)[/tex] represents the frequency of individuals with genotype AA.
- [tex]\( q^2 \)[/tex] represents the frequency of individuals with genotype aa.
- [tex]\( 2pq \)[/tex] represents the frequency of individuals with genotype Aa.
Therefore, [tex]\( 2pq \)[/tex] specifically denotes the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (Aa). So the correct interpretation is:
B. The frequency of the heterozygous genotype
