pleiotropy

In genetics, pleiotropy is the phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more distinct phenotypic traits. This means one gene can have multiple effects on an organism's characteristics. For example, a gene that affects eye color might also influence other traits, such as a fly's fecundity or longevity. This contrasts with traits determined by multiple genes, known as polygenic inheritance, which typically result in continuous variation. Pleiotropy is a common occurrence in genetics and can be observed in various organisms, including humans, where a single defective gene can lead to a variety of symptoms.1234