Which equation is used to express the relationship in the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

The equation that expresses the relationship in the Hardy-Weinberg principle is critical for understanding population genetics, particularly in assessing allele frequencies within a large, non-evolving population. The Hardy-Weinberg principle itself states that if certain conditions are met (large population size, no mutations, random mating, no migration, and no natural selection), the frequencies of alleles in a population will remain constant from generation to generation.

The correct equation, ( p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 ), accurately represents the expected genotype frequencies, where ( p ) is the frequency of the dominant allele and ( q ) is the frequency of the recessive allele. In this equation, ( p^2 ) represents the frequency of homozygous dominant individuals, ( 2pq ) represents the frequency of heterozygous individuals, and ( q^2 ) represents the frequency of homozygous recessive individuals. The sum of these frequencies equals 1, which is a necessary condition for the proportions to be meaningful within the context of genetics.

The other options either present incorrect formulations or misinterpret the principle itself. Understanding this equation is foundational for any further study in genetics and population dynamics, making it essential knowledge