Question

Consider a population with a total 500 alleles for a specific gene. How many individuals are in this population?
A. 1000
B. 500
C. 250
D. 125

Answer 1

Hint: In genetics, an allele is an important term. The alleles are a pair of genes that are situated on a specific chromosome. Any allele is the result of an alteration in a gene's DNA sequence, regardless of whether the change is only one nucleotide long.

Complete step by step solution:
The gene is the typical structure unit of the chromosome that transmits hereditary from generation to generation. A chromosome contains many different gene variants. An allele is a variant of a gene that exists as a pair of genes on a specific chromosome.
Alleles are found in pairs on the human chromosome and share the same trait. As a result, humans are diploid organisms. Each genetic locus contains two similar alleles, with one allele from each parent being inherited. An allele can also be two or more variants of a gene at the same genetic locus. However, at a genetic locus on the chromosome, all alleles retain the same trait.
The genotype of an organism is formed by all of its alleles. Based on the resemblance of the alleles, the genotype can be of two types.
When two alleles are identical, they form homozygous genotypes. When two alleles in a location are not identical, heterozygous genotypes are formed.
As each diploid individual possesses two alleles, the total number of alleles in the population is half the number of individuals. Therefore, there will be 250 individuals in the population of 500 alleles.

Thus, option C is correct

Note:
Alleles present in a specific genetic locus retain the same trait. Alleles are found in a locus in pairs, but they can also be found in more than two numbers. Alleles in the human chromosome are present in pairs only for them to carry the heredity.