The incidence of cystic fibrosis, a recessive genetic disorder in the Caucasian population of United States, is 1 in every 2,500 individuals. Find the number of heterozygous carriers.
(p + q = 1, p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1)

Question

The incidence of cystic fibrosis, a recessive genetic disorder in the Caucasian population of United States, is 1 in every 2,500 individuals. Find the number of heterozygous carriers.
(p + q = 1,  p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1)

aaronq · Answer

q^2=1/2500

q=(1/2500)^(1/2)

p=1-q

2pq= frequency of heterozygotes

2pq x 2500 = number of heterozygotes in every 2500 people

so your answer will be "x in every 2500"

You can't find the absolute answer unless you know the whole population