An example to teach Markov chains and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium through Mendel’s laws

Abstract

ABSTRACT Graduates in biology or genetics learn Mendel’s laws and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium as students, and they know, use, and sometimes teach these concepts. However, it is unusual to learn about stochastic processes during the graduate studies of these topics, although the applications of Markov chains in the fields of genetics or biology are increasing. In this paper, and from Mendel’s Laws, we are going to obtain an example of the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium that can be used to teach it. In the demonstration, stochastic processes theory and Markov chains will be used, in order to develop the transition matrix. In this way, we obtain an example that can be used to illustrate an explanation that involves, through Mendel’s laws, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for degree students, and stochastic processes for advanced students in biology or genetic sciences (predoctoral students at university). In this example, we are going to use the Scientific Workplace version 6.0 software.