Question

A gene that influences more than one phenotypic trait is called .

• A. multiple gene
• B. pleiotropic gene
• C. dominant gene
• D. recessive gene

Answer 1

The correct option is B pleiotropic gene

Often, an individual allele will have more than one effect on the phenotype. Such an allele is said to be pleiotropic. In pleiotropy, one gene affects many traits. Pleiotropic effects are difficult to predict, because the genes that affect a trait often perform other functions we may know nothing about. Pleiotropic effects are characteristic of many inherited disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.