[Estimation of allele frequencies using pedigree samples]

Maximum likelihood (ML) estimations of gene frequency, deduced from data on small pedigree samples, are considered. It is demonstrated that a range ("gap") of possible values of gene frequency exists, within which no ML frequency estimation falls. The dependence of the size of this range on sample size is studied in samples consisting of nuclear pedigrees and pedigrees of a more complex structure. The practical importance of the effect revealed is discussed.