University of the Philippines Visayas

TACLOBAN COLLEGE

Science 11 – Living Systems: Concepts and Dynamics

First Semester AY 2022-2023

GUIDE TO ASSIGNMENT 2

Task

The following set of problems lets you determine allelic frequencies in a population.

Deadline/Due: 15 Oct 2022

Procedure

1. Answer the problem set below as directed. Show your solution in items that need
computation.
2. For your answer, use: A4 size; Times New Roman, 12- font size, 1.5 line spacing, 1”
margins on all sides.
3. Save your output in PDF file and upload/ submit following filename format: Family
name_Assignment# (e.g., Gomez_Assignment2)

Problem set

1. In a population of 1000 individuals, 180 have kinky hair, 360 have wavy hairy, and the rest
have straight hair. Let us assume that hair type is governed by a pair of alleles, and there
are two types of alleles, S (kinky) and s (straight), with the heterozygote condition being
wavy. Compute the allelic frequencies for hair type in the population. (15 pts.)

2. Albinism is a rare genetic condition, occurring in only one in every 17,000 to 22,000
individuals in the world (Campbell et al. 2003; Gronskov et al. 2007). Conduct a library or
online research and answer these questions: (20 pts.)
a. What can you conclude about the allelic frequency of the a allele globally?
b. Where do you think the a allele would be more commonly found, among the
heterozygotes (Aa) or the homozygote recessives (aa)? Why do you say so?
c. What happens to an individual who is albino (aa) or who has very low or lacks
melanin pigments in the hair, skin and eyes?
d. Based on your answer in c, how would you explain the frequency of the a allele?

Evaluation Criteria

- Accuracy
- Highest possible score (total): 35 points

References

Campbell NA, Reece JB, Mitchell LG, Taylor MR. 2003. Biology: concepts and connection, 4th
ed. Benjamin Cummings.
 Gronskov K, Ek J, Brondum-Nielsen K. 2007. Oculocutaneous albinism. Orphanet Journal of
Rare Diseases. 2: 43.

Topic 5. Changes in Populations Over Time mebgerona/08.2020