Efficient estimation of allelic and genotypic proportions for electrophoretic loci

Abstract

The efficiency of estimating allelic and genotypic frequencies at allozyme loci can often be increased by running more than one individual simultaneously in each sample slot in a gel. Increased precision in estimating allelic frequencies is always possible if Hardy-Weinberg proportions can be assumed. However, if Hardy-Weinberg cannot be assumed, estimates of both allelic and genotypic frequencies can be improved for loci with hybrid dimers, but not for loci without them. The efficiency of all estimators depends jointly on allele frequencies and the number of individuals run simultaneously.