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Pleiotropy

Synonym(s)

  • pleiotropic

Definition(s)

Multiple, often seemingly unrelated, physical effects caused by a single altered gene or pair of altered genes

Definition from: GeneReviewsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. from the University of Washington and the National Center for Biotechnology Information

The phenomenon of variable phenotypes for a number of distinct and seemingly unrelated phenotypic effects.

Definition from: Office of Rare DiseasesThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Institutes of Health

Producing more than one effect; especially : having multiple phenotypic expressions <a pleiotropic gene>.

Definition from: Merriam-Webster's Medical DictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. by Merriam-Webster Inc.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: May 13, 2013