Pleiotropic

Definition

Describing a single gene that affects multiple, seemingly unrelated traits.

Etymology

From Greek 'plei-', meaning 'many', and 'tropic', meaning 'turning'.

Example

The pleiotropic effects of the gene responsible for phenylketonuria include intellectual disability, seizures, and a distinctive musty odor.

Related Terms

• Gene
• Allele
• Phenotype