Sickle-cell disease is caused by a single mutation in the DNA of a particular gene. A person with this disease has red blood cells that lose their original donut shape and form a sickle shape. People with this disorder suffer from low energy levels, blood clots, and strokes. This is an example of
A) a multifactorial trait.
B) polygenic inheritance.
C) pleiotropy.
D) codominance.
E) incomplete dominance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pleiotropy occurs when one gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits, such as in sickle-cell disease, where a single gene mutation affects red blood cell shape, energy levels, blood clotting, and stroke risk.

Sickle-Cell Disease Is Caused by a Single Mutation in the DNA