NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
What is the underlying mechanism of pleiotropy in most cases?
Options
- AGenetic mutation
- BEnvironmental influence
- CThe effect of a gene on metabolic pathways
- DNutritional deficiency
Correct answer
C. The effect of a gene on metabolic pathways
Step-by-step solution
We have so far seen the effect of a gene on a single phenotype or trait. There are however instances where a single gene can exhibit multiple phenotypic expressions. Such a gene is called a pleiotropic gene. The underlying mechanism of pleiotropy in most cases is the effect of a gene on metabolic pathways which contribute towards different phenotypes . An example of this is the disease phenylketonuria, which occurs in humans. The disease is caused by mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme phenylalanine hydr