Question

Which of the following is the example of pleiotropic gene ; -

• A. Haemophilia
• B. Thalassemia
• C. Sickle cell anaemia
• D. Colour blindness

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Sickle cell anaemia

A pleiotropic gene is a single gene that controls more than one trait. Genes that affect multiple, apparently unrelated, phenotypes are thus called pleiotropic genes. Sickle cell anemia is a pleiotropic disease because the expression of a single mutated HBB gene produces numerous consequences throughout the body. Some complications associated with sickle cell anemia include pain, damaged organs, strokes, high blood pressure, and loss of vision.

So, the correct answer is 'Sickle cell anaemia'.