Which of the following is an example of pleiotropy?a)Haemophiliab)Tha...
Explanation:
Pleiotropy
- Pleiotropy is a phenomenon in genetics where a single gene has multiple effects on an individual's phenotype.
- This means that a mutation in one gene can result in multiple, seemingly unrelated traits or disorders.
Example of Pleiotropy
- Sickle cell anemia is an example of pleiotropy.
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which codes for the beta-globin protein.
- This mutation not only leads to the characteristic sickle-shaped red blood cells but also has other effects on the body, such as increased susceptibility to infections, organ damage, and pain crises.
- These various effects of the HBB gene mutation demonstrate pleiotropy in action.
Other Options
- Haemophilia, thalassemia, and color blindness are genetic disorders caused by mutations in specific genes, but they do not exhibit the same level of pleiotropy as sickle cell anemia.
- These disorders primarily affect specific aspects of an individual's phenotype rather than multiple traits or systems in the body.
Therefore, the example of sickle cell anemia is a clear demonstration of pleiotropy in genetics.
Which of the following is an example of pleiotropy?a)Haemophiliab)Tha...
Pleiotropic gene is such a gene which has a wider effect on phenotype i.e., it controls several phenotypic traits. Sickle cell anaemia is considered to be caused by one such pleiotropic gene. It is caused due to mutation in β -globin gene of haemoglobin.
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