Pleiotropy
The ability of a single gene to influence several different traits.
📖 Full definition
Many genes do not control just one trait, but several simultaneously. This complicates genetic prediction: changing one gene rarely affects one thing only. Facial traits like nose shape are influenced by genes that also play a role in overall bone growth.
💡 Concrete example
The PAX3 gene affects pigmentation, inner-ear formation and certain facial traits — a classic case of pleiotropy.
🔗 See also
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