Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pleiotropy

noun

/ˌpliːəˈtrəʊpi/

Definition

The phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple traits or characteristics in an organism.

Examples

The gene responsible for sickle cell disease is an example of pleiotropy; it affects not only blood cells but also susceptibility to malaria.
Pleiotropy can lead to a wide range of effects, such as how one genetic mutation might influence both physical appearance and metabolic functions.

Meaning

Pleiotropy refers to a situation in genetics where one gene can have an effect on various aspects of an organism’s phenotype, meaning it can affect more than one trait.