PLEIOTROPY Meaning and
Definition
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Pleiotropy is a term used in genetics to describe a phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated traits or characteristics in an organism. It occurs when a change or mutation in a single gene has a broad impact on the phenotype, affecting various physiological, anatomical, or behavioral traits.
In pleiotropy, a single gene can have multiple effects on different parts of an organism's body or its overall development. These effects may be advantageous, disadvantageous, or neutral. For example, a mutation in a gene may result in a change in eye color, but it may also affect other traits such as hair color or height.
Pleiotropy is often observed in human genetic diseases, where a single gene mutation can lead to a range of symptoms affecting different organ systems. This can make genetic diseases complex and challenging to diagnose and treat.
Understanding pleiotropy is crucial in medical genetics as it helps in elucidating the underlying mechanisms behind genetic disorders and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, pleiotropy can also play a significant role in the study of evolutionary biology, as it provides insights into how genetic variations can have diverse effects on an organism's survival and reproduction.
In summary, pleiotropy refers to the phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple traits or characteristics in an organism, contributing to the complexity of genetics and providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and evolutionary processes.
Common Misspellings for PLEIOTROPY
Etymology of PLEIOTROPY
The word "pleiotropy" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "pleio" meaning "more" or "many", and "tropos" meaning "manner" or "way". The term was coined by the American geneticist J. B. S. Haldane in 1917 to describe a phenomenon in genetics where a single gene could affect multiple, seemingly unrelated traits or phenotypes.
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