The ability of a gene to have multiple phenotypic effects is known as

Options

A. Pleiotropy
B. Co-dominance
C. Incomplete dominance
D. Complete dominance

Answer

To solve the question regarding the ability of a gene to have multiple phenotypic effects, we will analyze the provided options step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term that describes a gene's ability to influence multiple phenotypic traits.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Pleiotropy**: This term refers to a single gene that can affect multiple phenotypic traits. For example, a gene that influences both flower color and seed shape in plants.
- **Option B: Codominance**: This is a condition where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that shows both traits equally. This does not pertain to a single gene affecting multiple traits.
- **Option C: Incomplete Dominance**: In this scenario, the phenotype is a blend of the two alleles, but again, this does not involve a single gene affecting multiple traits.
- **Option D: Complete Dominance**: This occurs when one allele completely masks the effect of another allele. It does not relate to multiple phenotypic effects from a single gene.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Based on the definitions:
- Pleiotropy is the only option that describes a single gene influencing multiple phenotypic traits. Therefore, the correct answer is **Option A: Pleiotropy**.

### Final Answer:
The ability of a gene to have multiple phenotypic effects is known as **pleiotropy**.

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