Question

Which of the following is the example of pleiotropy?

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C Sickle cell anaemia

A mutation is defined as the genetic alteration that causes a change in the phenotype or expression of that gene. Sometimes, we see genetic changes and phenotype changes not from a mutation, but from a gene controlling multiple traits. This is called as pleiotropy. Therefore, pleiotropy is where one gene winds up controlling multiple phenotypic traits in the organism. Sickle cell anemia is an example of pleiotropy as because the expression of a single mutated HBB gene produces numerous consequences throughout the body.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.