noun
- plural of pleiotropy; instances where a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits
Usage: genetics; biology
Examples
- The researcher studied several pleiotropies in fruit flies to understand gene function.
- Pleiotropies can complicate genetic analysis because one mutation affects many traits.
- The syndrome showed multiple pleiotropies affecting both physical and cognitive development.
- Scientists documented various pleiotropies in the mouse model.
- Understanding pleiotropies helps explain why some genetic disorders have diverse symptoms.