In regards to allele fixation, what does fixation imply?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Fixation refers to a situation in a population where only one allele for a particular gene is present in the gene pool. This implies that the allele has reached a frequency of 100%, meaning that all individuals in the population carry this allele, with no alternative alleles remaining. Fixation can result from various processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, or a population bottleneck, leading to a loss of other alleles.

When an allele becomes fixed, it indicates a complete dominance of that specific genetic variant within the population, with no genetic diversity left for that gene. Thus, fixation serves as a significant marker in understanding the genetic structure of populations and the evolutionary processes at play.

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