pleiotropy

American  

[plahy-o-truh-pee] / plaɪˈɒ trə pi /

noun

Genetics.

1. the phenomenon of one gene being responsible for or affecting more than one phenotypic characteristic.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pleiotropic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pleiotropy

First recorded in 1935–40; pleio- + -tropy

Explanation

When a single gene affects more than one trait in an organism, that's known as pleiotropy. It's genetic pleiotropy that makes dogs with mottled, bluish-gray coats more likely to also be deaf and blind. Pleiotropy is most obvious when something goes wrong in an organism, causing a mutation in a gene that affects multiple characteristics. In the human disorder known as PKU, a defect in one gene causes cognitive disability, eczema, and pale skin. Some chickens have a gene that causes them to lay fewer eggs, but also gives them frizzled feathers and a high metabolism. The Greek root of pleiotropy is pleiōn, "greater in quantity."

Example Sentences

The team calls this framework Adaptive Tracking with Antagonistic Pleiotropy.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

Williams, G. C. Pleiotropy, natural-selection, and the evolution of senescence.

From Nature • Nov. 28, 2017