Q. Which of the following is the example of pleiotropic gene ; -
Solution:
Pleiotropic gene is such a gene which has a wider effect on phenotype i.e., it controls several phenotypic traits. Sickle cell anaemia is considered to be caused by one such pleiotropic gene. Sickle cell anaemia is caused due to a mutation in (β globin gene of haemoglobin. Single point mutation leads to one But this small point mutation & change in the resulting β globin loads to sickling of RBCs, haemolytic anaemia, pain in joints, splenomegaly etc. Moreover carrier of sickle cell anaemia gene remains protected from malaria. Thus the gene is naturally selected in tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa.
