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Pleiotropy Questions in English

Class 12 Biology · Principles of Inheritance and Variation · Pleiotropy

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Showing 37 of 37 questions in English

1
MediumMCQ
The colour of the flower in pea is always linked with
A
Cotyledons
B
Pod
C
Leaves
D
Seed coat

Solution

(D) The colour of the flower in pea is always linked with the seed coat. In Mendel's experiments,plants with purple flowers have grey or brown seed coats,while plants with white flowers have white seed coats. This is due to the pleiotropic effect of the gene controlling flower colour,which also influences the pigmentation of the seed coat and leaf axils.
2
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is associated with multiple phenotypes?
A
Epistasis
B
Pleiotropy
C
Polygenic inheritance
D
Mutation

Solution

(B) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
For example,in humans,the gene responsible for sickle-cell anemia can affect hemoglobin structure,red blood cell shape,and resistance to malaria,demonstrating multiple phenotypic effects from a single gene mutation.
3
MediumMCQ
$A$ pleiotropic gene is one which
A
Affects one character
B
Affects more than one characters
C
$(a)$ and $(b)$ both
D
None of these

Solution

(B) The correct answer is $(b)$.
Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
In this case,a single gene product may participate in various metabolic pathways or affect different tissues,leading to multiple effects on the organism's phenotype.
4
MediumMCQ
In $Drosophila$,the gene for white eye mutation is also responsible for the depigmentation of body parts. Thus,a gene that controls several phenotypes is called:
A
Oncogene
B
Epistatic gene
C
Hypostatic gene
D
Pleiotropic gene

Solution

(D) gene that influences multiple phenotypic traits is known as a pleiotropic gene.
In $Drosophila$,the white eye mutation is a classic example of pleiotropy,where a single gene mutation affects both eye color and the pigmentation of other body parts.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.
5
MediumMCQ
Pleiotropy is a condition in which a single gene
A
Controls only one phenotype
B
Controls more than one phenotype
C
Does not control any phenotype
D
None of these

Solution

(B) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
For example,in humans,the gene responsible for sickle cell anemia affects the shape of red blood cells and also provides resistance to malaria.
Therefore,a single gene controls more than one phenotype.
6
MediumMCQ
Pleiotropic character represents that quality of a gene which is called:
A
Being dominant over recessive genes
B
Being capable of representing more than one form
C
Regulating more than one phenotypic character
D
None of the above

Solution

(C) Pleiotropy is a phenomenon in genetics where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
Therefore,the correct description is that it regulates more than one phenotypic character.
7
MediumMCQ
In humans,the gene responsible for Phenylketonuria produces multiple phenotypic expressions,collectively known as a syndrome. This gene causes mental retardation,broad incisor teeth,skin pigmentation,and excessive sweating. What is this type of gene called?
A
Polygenic gene
B
Pleiotropic gene
C
Lethal gene
D
Supplementary gene

Solution

(B) The phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits is known as $Pleiotropy$.
In the case of $Phenylketonuria$ $(PKU)$,the mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme $phenylalanine$ $hydroxylase$ leads to the accumulation of $phenylalanine$.
This metabolic defect results in a syndrome characterized by various symptoms,including mental retardation,reduction in hair and skin pigmentation,and other physiological abnormalities.
Since one gene is responsible for this wide range of phenotypic effects,it is classified as a $Pleiotropic$ gene.
8
MediumMCQ
$A$ gene that expresses its effect on more than one trait is known as:
A
Polygene
B
Pleiotropic gene
C
Multifactorial gene
D
Multiple gene

Solution

(B) gene that influences multiple phenotypic traits is called a $Pleiotropic$ gene.
This phenomenon is known as $Pleiotropy$.
For example,in $Pisum$ $sativum$ (garden pea),the gene for starch synthesis also controls the shape of the seed.
Similarly,in humans,the gene responsible for $Phenylketonuria$ $(PKU)$ affects multiple traits including mental retardation and reduction in hair and skin pigmentation.
9
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is an example of a pleiotropic gene?
A
Hemophilia
B
Thalassemia
C
Sickle cell anemia
D
Color blindness

Solution

(C) Pleiotropy is a phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. In $Sickle cell anemia$, the mutation in the $\beta$-globin chain of hemoglobin leads to various physiological effects, including abnormal red blood cell shape, anemia, organ damage, and increased resistance to malaria. Thus, the gene for $Sickle cell anemia$ is a classic example of a pleiotropic gene.
10
EasyMCQ
$A$ pleiotropic gene
A
controls a trait only in combination with another gene
B
controls multiple traits in an individual
C
is expressed only in primitive plants
D
is a gene evolved during Pliocene.

Solution

(B) The ability of a gene to have multiple phenotypic effects because it influences a number of characters simultaneously is known as pleiotropy.
$A$ gene that exhibits multiple phenotypic effects due to its ability to control the expression of two or more characters is called a pleiotropic gene.
In human beings,pleiotropy is exhibited by conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and phenylketonuria.
11
EasyMCQ
$A$ single gene can exhibit multiple phenotypic expressions; this is called.....
A
Incomplete dominance
B
Pleiotropy
C
Co-dominance
D
Parthenogenesis

Solution

(B) The phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits is known as $Pleiotropy$.
In this case,the gene product (usually a protein or enzyme) affects several different metabolic pathways or developmental processes,leading to diverse phenotypic expressions.
For example,in $Pisum$ $sativum$ (garden pea),the gene for starch synthesis also influences the shape and size of the seed.
Similarly,in humans,the disease $Phenylketonuria$ is caused by a mutation in a single gene,which results in multiple symptoms like mental retardation and reduction in hair and skin pigmentation.
12
EasyMCQ
What is it called when a single gene influences more than one trait?
A
Pleiotropy
B
Dominance factors
C
Pseudodominance
D
None of the above

Solution

(A) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
For example,in humans,the gene responsible for sickle cell anemia affects the shape of red blood cells,causes anemia,and leads to various other systemic complications.
Therefore,the correct term for this phenomenon is Pleiotropy.
13
MediumMCQ
$A$ pleiotropic gene is responsible for which of the following conditions?
A
Hemophilia
B
Thalassemia
C
Sickle cell anemia
D
Color blindness

Solution

(C) Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. In the case of $Sickle \ cell \ anemia$, the mutated gene $(Hb^S)$ affects the structure of hemoglobin, which leads to multiple physiological effects, including the sickling of red blood cells, anemia, and resistance to malaria. Therefore, it is a classic example of a pleiotropic gene.
14
MediumMCQ
What is a pleiotropic gene?
A
It is expressed only in primitive plants.
B
Its genes originated in the Pleistocene epoch.
C
It regulates a trait along with another gene.
D
It regulates more than one trait in an organism.

Solution

(D) pleiotropic gene is defined as a single gene that influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
In pleiotropy,one gene product affects multiple pathways or physiological processes,leading to diverse effects on the organism's phenotype.
An example of pleiotropy in humans is phenylketonuria $(PKU)$,where a mutation in a single gene leads to multiple symptoms such as mental retardation,reduced hair pigmentation,and skin pigmentation.
15
MediumMCQ
When one gene controls two or more different characters simultaneously,the phenomenon is called
A
apomixis
B
pleiotropy
C
polyploidy
D
polyteny

Solution

(B) Pleiotropy is the genetic phenomenon in which a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants that mimics sexual reproduction but occurs without fertilization.
Polyploidy refers to a condition where an organism possesses more than two complete sets of chromosomes.
Polyteny refers to the condition of having giant chromosomes,known as polytene chromosomes,formed by repeated $DNA$ replication without cell division.
16
Medium
What is pleiotropy? Explain with an example.

Solution

(N/A) Pleiotropy is a phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. Such genes that affect multiple traits are called pleiotropic genes.
In many cases,the mechanism of pleiotropy occurs because a gene affects a metabolic pathway,which subsequently leads to various phenotypic expressions.
An example of this in humans is Phenylketonuria $(PKU)$. This disorder is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. This single gene mutation results in multiple phenotypic expressions,including mental retardation and a reduction in hair and skin pigmentation.
Additional Information:
In Drosophila,the recessive gene responsible for vestigial wings also affects other traits: $(i)$ structure of the spermatheca,(ii) bristles,(iii) reduced egg production,and (iv) halteres (balancing organs).
17
Medium
Write a short note on pleiotropy.

Solution

(N/A) There are instances where a single gene can exhibit multiple phenotypic expressions.
$\rightarrow$ 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.
$\rightarrow$ An example of this is the disease phenylketonuria,which occurs in humans.
- The disease is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (single gene mutation).
$\Rightarrow$ This manifests itself through phenotypic expressions characterized by mental retardation and a reduction in hair and skin pigmentation.
18
Easy
Define the term: Pleiotropy.

Solution

(N/A) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon in which a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
In this case,the product of a single gene can produce multiple phenotypic effects in an organism.
An example of pleiotropy is the disease phenylketonuria $(PKU)$,which is caused by a mutation in a single gene that codes for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase,leading to multiple symptoms such as mental retardation and reduction in hair and skin pigmentation.
19
MediumMCQ
The metabolic disorder Phenylketonuria is an example of which type of genetic effect?
A
Polygenic inheritance
B
Multiple alleles
C
Pleiotropic genes
D
Sex-linked genes

Solution

(C) Phenylketonuria $(PKU)$ is an inborn error of metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
It is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase.
This single gene mutation leads to multiple phenotypic effects,including mental retardation,reduction in hair pigmentation,and skin problems.
Since a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits,this is a classic example of pleiotropy.
20
MediumMCQ
In which type of disorder does a single gene mutation show multiple phenotypic expressions?
A
Alkaptonuria
B
Phenylketonuria
C
Albinism
D
Hemophilia

Solution

(B) The phenomenon where a single gene mutation results in multiple phenotypic expressions is known as $Pleiotropy$.
In the case of $Phenylketonuria$ $(PKU)$,the mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme $phenylalanine$ $hydroxylase$ leads to the accumulation of $phenylalanine$.
This single genetic defect causes multiple phenotypic effects,including mental retardation,reduction in hair pigmentation,and skin lesions.
Therefore,$Phenylketonuria$ is a classic example of $Pleiotropy$ in humans.
21
EasyMCQ
What is a single gene that can control more than one trait called?
A
Pleiotropism
B
Multiple alleles
C
Co-dominant gene
D
Pleiotropic gene

Solution

(D) single gene that influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits is known as a $Pleiotropic$ $gene$.
This phenomenon is called $Pleiotropy$.
For example,in $Pisum$ $sativum$ (garden pea),the gene for starch synthesis also influences the shape and size of the seed.
Therefore,the correct term for the gene itself is a $Pleiotropic$ $gene$.
22
EasyMCQ
The best example for pleiotropy is
A
$ABO$ Blood group
B
Skin colour
C
Phenylketonuria
D
Colour Blindness

Solution

(C) Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
Phenylketonuria $(PKU)$ is a classic example of pleiotropy,where a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase leads to multiple effects,including mental retardation,reduced hair pigmentation,and skin problems.
$ABO$ blood group is an example of multiple allelism.
Skin colour is an example of polygenic inheritance.
Colour blindness is a sex-linked Mendelian disorder.
23
EasyMCQ
The phenomenon of a single gene regulating several phenotypes is called
A
Multiple allelism
B
Epistasis
C
Incomplete dominance
D
Pleiotropism

Solution

(D) The ability of a single gene to influence multiple phenotypic traits is known as pleiotropy,and this phenomenon is called pleiotropism.
In this case,one gene product may affect different metabolic pathways,leading to diverse phenotypic expressions.
An example of this is the gene for phenylketonuria,which affects skin pigmentation and hair color in addition to causing mental retardation.
24
EasyMCQ
Genes exhibiting multiple effects are known as
A
Complementary genes
B
Pleiotropic genes
C
Cistrons
D
Pseudogenes

Solution

(B) The gene that produces more than one phenotypic effect in an organism is called a pleiotropic gene.
It produces a major phenotypic trait and along with it influences some other phenotypic traits.
For example,in humans,the gene responsible for sickle cell anaemia exhibits pleiotropy by affecting multiple physiological processes.
25
EasyMCQ
The gene,which controls many characters,is called
A
Codominant gene
B
Polygene
C
Pleiotropic gene
D
Multiple gene

Solution

(C) pleiotropic gene is one that produces or controls more than one effect or character.
In other words,a pleiotropic gene produces a major phenotypic trait and simultaneously influences other phenotypic traits.
For example,lethal genes are known to control the manifestation of certain phenotypic traits while also affecting the viability of the organism.
26
MediumMCQ
$A$ : Myotonic dystrophy is caused by a recessive mutant pleiotropic gene.
$R$ : Gene mutation leads to more synthesis of fibrillin proteins.
A
Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
B
Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
C
Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
D
Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Solution

(D) Myotonic dystrophy is an $Autosomal \text{ Dominant}$ genetic disorder, which is caused by a mutation in a dominant gene. Therefore, Assertion $(A)$ is incorrect.
The excessive synthesis of fibrillin protein mentioned in $R$ is related to Marfan syndrome, not myotonic dystrophy. Therefore, Reason $(R)$ is also incorrect.
27
MediumMCQ
$A$ single gene exhibits more than one phenotypic expression. This phenomenon is known as:
A
Pleiotropy
B
Polygenic inheritance
C
Incomplete dominance
D
Codominance

Solution

(A) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
For example,in $Phenylketonuria$ $(PKU)$,a mutation in a single gene leads to multiple symptoms such as mental retardation,reduction in hair pigmentation,and skin pigmentation.
Therefore,the correct answer is $Pleiotropy$.
28
MediumMCQ
The phenomenon of pleiotropism refers to
A
More than two genes affecting a single character
B
Presence of several alleles of a single gene controlling a single crossover
C
Presence of two alleles,each of the two genes controlling a single trait
D
$A$ single gene affecting multiple phenotypic expression

Solution

(D) Pleiotropism is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
When a single gene affects multiple phenotypic expressions,the gene is called a pleiotropic gene and the phenomenon is known as pleiotropism.
An example of this is the gene responsible for phenylketonuria,which affects skin pigmentation,hair color,and mental ability.
29
MediumMCQ
$A$ gene which controls more than one character is called $:-$
A
Polygenic gene
B
Pleiotropic gene
C
Multiple allele
D
Complementary gene

Solution

(B) gene that influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits is known as a pleiotropic gene. This phenomenon is called pleiotropy. For example,in humans,the gene responsible for phenylketonuria $(PKU)$ affects skin pigmentation,hair color,and mental ability simultaneously. In contrast,polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes controlling a single trait.
30
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is not an example of pleiotropy?
A
Phenylketonuria
B
Seed shape and size of starch grain
C
Sickle cell anemia
D
$AB$ blood group

Solution

(D) Pleiotropy is a phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
$1$. Phenylketonuria $(PKU)$ is caused by a mutation in the gene for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase,leading to multiple effects like mental retardation,reduced hair and skin pigmentation.
$2$. In pea plants,the gene controlling starch synthesis also influences seed shape (round vs. wrinkled) and starch grain size.
$3$. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the $\beta$-globin chain of hemoglobin,which affects the shape of red blood cells,leading to various systemic complications.
$4$. The $AB$ blood group system is an example of codominance and multiple alleles,where the $I^A$ and $I^B$ alleles are codominant,but it does not represent pleiotropy.
31
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is an example of a pleiotropic gene?
A
Human skin colour
B
Thalassemia
C
$ABO$ blood group
D
Sickle cell anaemia

Solution

(D) Pleiotropy is a phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple,seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
In sickle cell anaemia,the mutation in the $Hb^S$ gene affects the structure of the haemoglobin molecule.
This single genetic change leads to multiple phenotypic effects,including the sickling of red blood cells,anaemia,organ damage,and increased resistance to malaria.
Therefore,the gene responsible for sickle cell anaemia is a classic example of a pleiotropic gene.
32
MediumMCQ
In pea plant,the genotype $(BB)$ shows:
A
Round seed with intermediate sized starch grain.
B
Round seed with large sized starch grain.
C
Round seed with small sized starch grain.
D
Wrinkled seed with small sized starch grain.

Solution

(B) In pea plants,the shape of the seed and the size of the starch grains are controlled by the same gene.
$BB$ genotype represents the homozygous dominant condition for both seed shape and starch grain size.
$B$ allele results in round seeds and large starch grains,while $b$ allele results in wrinkled seeds and small starch grains.
Therefore,the genotype $(BB)$ produces round seeds with large starch grains,exhibiting complete dominance for both traits.
33
MediumMCQ
Observe the phenotypic effects of a gene with $2$ alleles $B$ and $b$ in pea plant.
GenotypeStarch grain size and Seed shape
$BB$Large,Round
$Bb$Intermediate,Round
$bb$Small,Wrinkled

Which of the following is incorrect in concern to above facts $:-$
A
Gene shows incomplete dominance for intermediate grain size
B
Gene shows normal dominant-recessive relationship for seed shape
C
Gene is an example of pleiotropic gene
D
Gene shows co-dominance

Solution

(D) $1$. In the given table, the gene $B$ affects two different phenotypic traits: starch grain size and seed shape. This phenomenon, where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits, is known as pleiotropy.
$2$. For starch grain size, the heterozygote $(Bb)$ shows an intermediate phenotype between the dominant $(BB)$ and recessive $(bb)$ homozygotes. This is a classic example of incomplete dominance.
$3$. For seed shape, the heterozygote $(Bb)$ shows the same phenotype (Round) as the dominant homozygote $(BB)$. This indicates a normal dominant-recessive relationship.
$4$. Co-dominance occurs when both alleles are expressed equally in the heterozygote (e.g., $AB$ blood group). In this case, the intermediate size is a blend, not the expression of both traits simultaneously, so it is not co-dominance.
$5$. Therefore, the statement that the gene shows co-dominance is incorrect.
34
EasyMCQ
Which one of the following is an example of pleiotropy?
A
Haemophilia
B
Thalassemia
C
Sickle cell anaemia
D
Colour blindness

Solution

(C) Pleiotropy is a genetic phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.
In $Sickle \text{ } cell \text{ } anaemia$, the mutation in the $Hb^S$ gene leads to the production of abnormal haemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped.
This single gene mutation results in various clinical manifestations, such as anaemia, organ damage, and increased resistance to malaria, making it a classic example of pleiotropy.
35
EasyMCQ
The gene disorder phenylketonuria is an example of
A
Polygenic inheritance
B
Pleiotropy
C
Multiple allelism
D
Multiple factor

Solution

(B) Pleiotropy.
Phenylketonuria is a classic example of pleiotropy,where a single gene mutation affects multiple phenotypic traits,such as mental retardation,reduction in hair pigmentation,and skin pigmentation.
36
EasyMCQ
Find the correct statement.
$(1)$ Generally a gene regulates a trait,but sometimes one gene has an effect on multiple traits.
$(2)$ The trait $AB$-blood group of man is regulated by one dominant allele and another recessive allele. Hence it is co-dominant.
A
Both the Statements are wrong.
B
Statement $(1)$ is correct.
C
Statement $(2)$ is correct.
D
Both Statements $(1)$ and $(2)$ are correct.

Solution

(B) Statement $(1)$ is correct because it describes the phenomenon of pleiotropy,where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits.
Statement $(2)$ is incorrect. The $AB$-blood group in humans is an example of co-dominance,but it is regulated by multiple alleles $(I^A, I^B, i)$,not just one dominant and one recessive allele. Specifically,$I^A$ and $I^B$ are co-dominant,and $i$ is recessive.
37
EasyMCQ
In an organism,mutation in a single gene exhibits multiple phenotypic expressions. Identify the underlying genetic mechanism in the above instance.
A
Multiple allelism
B
Pleiotropy
C
Incomplete dominance
D
Polygenic inheritance

Solution

(B) Pleiotropy.
When a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits that are often unrelated,it is known as pleiotropy.
For instance,in pea plants,the gene that controls seed coat color also influences the color of flowers and the presence of pigmentation on the leaves.
Therefore,a single gene mutation results in multiple phenotypic expressions.

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