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Question

If the frequency of males affected with an X-linked recessive trait in the human population is 0.20. What will be the frequency of affected females?

A
0.04
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B
0.02
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C
0.64
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D
0.32
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Solution

The correct option is A 0.04
We know that in humans, sex is determined by the XY system of sex determination, where females are homogametic (XX) and males are heterogametic (XY). As females have two X-chromosomes for a recessive trait to appear in them both the chromosomes must carry the mutated allele, whereas in males mutation in a single chromosome is enough.

Based on the above scenario two inferences can be are drawn
  1. Since the males have only one X-chromosome the frequency of X-linked allele in the population is equal to the frequency of affected males
  2. As females have two X-chromosomes the probability of any female having the mutated allele in question on both the chromosome will be q2 (where q is the frequency of the allele)


So in the given question, the frequency of affected males is 0.20, which means q = 0.20
They asked for the frequency of affected females = q2
= (0.20)2
= 0.04

The frequency of affected females in the population is 0.04, which means 4% of the females are showing the phenotype.

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