Population Genetics: Inbreeding

In summary, Dolor and Largo are concerned about the possibility of their child having birth defects or inherited disorders due to being close relatives. With their maternal grandmother being a carrier of the Herrera syndrome allele, the chance of both Dolor and Largo being carriers is 1 in 16. The chance of their child having Herrera's syndrome is 1 in 64, as they have a 1/8 probability of passing on the recessive allele.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
0

Homework Statement


Dolor and her cousin Largo have conceived a child. They are very concerned about the baby, because they have heard that children of close relatives have a higher incidence of birth defects and/or inherited recessive disorders. They know that their maternal grandmother was a carrier of the Herrera syndrome allele. Assuming that this is the only source of genetic problems for Dolor and Largo, what is the chance that they are both carriers ?
a. 1 in 16

b. 1 in 4

c. 1 in 8

d. 1 in 106

e. 1 in 2



Homework Equations


See below.


The Attempt at a Solution



Each grandchild has ¼ probability of carrying one of four original alleles from grandparents, so the probability of both being carriers is (¼)* (1/4) = 1/16?




Homework Statement


The chance that Dolor and Largo will have a child with Herrera’s
syndrome is
a. 1 in 4

b. 1 in 64

c. 1 in 32

d. 1 in 16

e. 1 in 12




Homework Equations


See below.


The Attempt at a Solution


For the great-grandchild there is a 1/8 probability (of gametes) for getting a recessive allele, so

(1/8) * (1/8) = 1/64?


Thank you for any help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Everything sounds right.
 
  • #3


Your calculations for the chance of Dolor and Largo being carriers and their child having Herrera syndrome are correct. However, it's important to note that these probabilities assume that their maternal grandmother was the only source of genetic problems and that Dolor and Largo are not related in any other way. In reality, there may be other genetic factors at play and the risk may be higher or lower depending on their specific genetic background. It's also important to remember that these are just probabilities and do not guarantee the outcome. Genetic counseling and testing can provide more accurate information and guidance for Dolor and Largo.
 

1. What is inbreeding in the context of population genetics?

Inbreeding is the process by which closely related individuals mate and produce offspring. It is a common phenomenon in small, isolated populations and can lead to an increase in homozygosity, or the presence of identical alleles for a particular gene.

2. How does inbreeding affect genetic diversity within a population?

Inbreeding can decrease genetic diversity within a population by increasing the proportion of homozygous individuals. This can lead to a reduction in the number of different genetic combinations and potentially decrease the overall fitness of the population.

3. What are the potential consequences of inbreeding on a population?

Inbreeding can have both negative and positive consequences on a population. On one hand, it can increase the expression of deleterious recessive traits, decrease overall fitness and increase the risk of extinction. On the other hand, it can also increase the expression of beneficial traits and allow for the fixation of advantageous alleles.

4. How is inbreeding measured in population genetics?

Inbreeding is typically measured using the inbreeding coefficient (F), which is the probability that two alleles at a given locus in an individual are identical by descent. It can also be measured through the levels of heterozygosity within a population, with lower levels indicating higher levels of inbreeding.

5. How can inbreeding be managed in a population?

Inbreeding can be managed through various strategies such as outbreeding, which involves introducing genetic material from other populations, or selective breeding, which involves carefully choosing mates to minimize the risk of inbreeding. Genetic screening and monitoring can also be used to identify and remove individuals with high levels of inbreeding from the breeding population.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
8K
Back
Top