1. What is Gene Frequency?

Gene frequency (also called allele frequency) is the relative frequency of a particular gene variant (allele) in a population. It is a fundamental concept in population genetics and evolutionary biology.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gene frequency equation:

Where:

• \( GF \) — Gene frequency (dimensionless)
• \( C \) — Count of specific allele (dimensionless)
• \( T \) — Total number of alleles in population (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates the proportion of a specific allele relative to all alleles at that locus in the population.

3. Importance of Gene Frequency

Details: Gene frequencies are essential for understanding genetic diversity, evolutionary processes, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and genetic disease prevalence in populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the count of the specific allele and the total number of alleles in the population. Both values must be positive integers, and count cannot exceed total.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the range of possible gene frequencies?
A: Gene frequency ranges from 0 (allele absent) to 1 (allele fixed in population).

Q2: How is this different from genotype frequency?
A: Gene frequency refers to single alleles, while genotype frequency refers to combinations of alleles in individuals.

Q3: What sample size is needed for accurate frequency?
A: Larger samples give more accurate estimates. For rare alleles, very large samples may be needed.

Q4: Can this be used for multiple alleles?
A: Yes, frequency is calculated separately for each allele at a locus.

Q5: How does this relate to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
A: Gene frequencies are used to predict expected genotype frequencies under Hardy-Weinberg assumptions.