Q. What term is used for a gene that exhibits multiple effects? Answer:
Pleiotropism
Notes: Pleiotropism describes the genetic effect of a single gene on multiple phenotypic traits. A classic example of pleiotropy is phenylketonuria, a human disease that affects multiple systems but is caused by one gene defect. The underlying mechanism is that the gene codes for a product that is, for example, used by various cells, or has a signaling function on various targets.