Genes with multiple phenotypic effects are known as

Options

A. hypostatic genes
B. duplicate genes
C. pleiotropic genes
D. complementary genes

Answer

To solve the question "Genes with multiple phenotypic effects are known as," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Question**: The question is asking for a specific term that describes genes which can influence multiple traits or phenotypes.

2. **Analyze the Options**: The options given are:
- A) Hypostatic genes
- B) Duplicate genes
- C) Pleiotropic genes
- D) Complementary genes

3. **Define Each Option**:
- **Hypostatic Genes**: These genes have their expression altered by another gene at a different locus. They do not necessarily control multiple traits.
- **Duplicate Genes**: These genes can produce the same phenotype when dominant alleles are present, but they do not have a cumulative effect and do not control multiple traits.
- **Pleiotropic Genes**: These are genes that have multiple phenotypic effects. A single gene can affect various traits.
- **Complementary Genes**: These genes work together to produce a single trait, but they do not control multiple traits independently.

4. **Identify the Correct Answer**: From the definitions, it is clear that the term that describes genes with multiple phenotypic effects is "pleiotropic genes."

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **C) Pleiotropic genes**.