Question

Select the correct statements regarding Hardy-Weinberg principle.
(A) Sum total of all the allelic frequencies is 1.
(B) Genetic drift affect Hardy-Weinberg principle.
(C) Allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation.
(D) The gene pool continues changing generation after generation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A) and (D) only
• D. (B) and (C) only

Hint:

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Formulas:
$\bullet$ Allele frequencies: $p + q = 1$
$\bullet$ Genotype frequencies: $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$
Disrupted by: Genetic drift, Mutation, Gene flow, Recombination, and Natural selection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele and genotype frequencies in a large, randomly mating population remain constant and stable from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary disturbances.

Step 1: Detailed Statement Analysis:
- Statement (A): "Sum total of all the allelic frequencies is 1."
If a gene has two alleles $A$ and $a$ with frequencies $p$ and $q$, then $p + q = 1$. The sum total of allelic frequencies in a population is always 1.0 (or 100%). This statement is correct.
- Statement (B): "Genetic drift affect Hardy-Weinberg principle."
Five specific evolutionary factors disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: gene migration/gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection. Thus, genetic drift alters allele frequencies and disturbs equilibrium. This statement is correct.
- Statement (C): "Allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation."
This represents the fundamental definition of genetic equilibrium (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium). This statement is correct.
- Statement (D): "The gene pool continues changing generation after generation."
Under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the gene pool (total genes and their alleles in a population) remains constant. A constantly changing gene pool indicates evolution, which violates equilibrium. This statement is incorrect.

Step 2: Conclusion:
Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct.
Therefore, Option (B) is the correct choice.