A gene influencing many traits is

Options

A. Additive
B. Pleiotropic
C. Epistatic
D. Supplementary

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a specific type of gene that influences many traits.

2. **Identifying Gene Types**: We need to consider the different types of genes mentioned:
- **Additive Genes**: These are genes that contribute to the same trait, but they do not influence multiple traits.
- **Pleiotropic Genes**: These are genes that can affect multiple traits or have multiple phenotypic effects.
- **Epistatic Genes**: These genes can mask the expression of another gene, but they do not necessarily influence multiple traits directly.
- **Supplementary Genes**: These are genes that work together to affect the same character but do not influence multiple traits independently.

3. **Analyzing Each Type**:
- **Additive Genes**: Not the answer, as they influence a single trait.
- **Pleiotropic Genes**: This is the key term we are looking for, as they influence multiple traits.
- **Epistatic Genes**: Not the answer, as they do not influence multiple traits but rather mask other genes.
- **Supplementary Genes**: Not the answer, as they affect the same character but do not influence multiple traits independently.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and analysis, the correct answer is **pleiotropic genes** because they influence many traits.

**Final Answer**: A gene influencing many traits is known as **pleiotropic**.

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