The multiple effects of a single gene on the phenotype of an organism is called ________.
A) epistasis
B) penetrance
C) expressivity
D) overdominance
E) pleiotropy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pleiotropy refers to the phenomenon where a single gene can affect multiple phenotypic traits in an organism. This can occur because genes play multiple roles in metabolic pathways or developmental processes, or because a gene affects several different tissues or organs in the body. The effects of pleiotropic genes can be quite diverse, and can range from subtle changes in pigmentation or behavior to more dramatic changes in organ development, metabolism, or disease susceptibility. Some classic examples of pleiotropic genes include those involved in sickle cell anemia, which affect both the shape of red blood cells and other aspects of blood cell function, and albinism, which affects both pigmentation and vision.

The Multiple Effects of a Single Gene on the Phenotype