Answer: Allele frequency for cystic fibrosis is 0.022.
4.302% carriers (heterozygous) for cystic fibrosis in the population.
Explanation: Using F to represent the allele, homozygosity (ff) produces a disorder in autosomal recessive disorders. Therefore, the allele representation goes thus;
Cystic fibrosis (Homozygous) = ff = q²
Normal (Homozygous) = FF = p²
Carrier (Heterozygous) = Ff = 2pq
Frequency of cystic fibrosis q² is given as 0.000484
Therefore, allele frequency of cystic fibrosis, q = √0.000484 = 0.022
Recall that p+q = 1
Therefore, allele frequency for normal individual,
p = 1 - q = 1 - 0.022 = 0.978
Also, carrier (heterozygous) frequency, 2pq = 2 x 0.978 x 0.022 = 0.043032
Hence, Percentage of people who are carrier for cystic fibrosis in the population will be
0.043032 x 100 = 4.302%
