Question

Marfan syndrome is the result of inheriting a single allele. Individuals with Marfan syndrome are tall and long-limbed, and have both cardiovascular and eye defects. Of what type of inheritance is the phenotype of Marfan syndrome an example?

Answer 1

Answer:

Pleiotropy

Explanation:

Pleiotropy is a genetic term used to describe a phenomenon in which multiple traits or phenotypic expressions are dictated by a single gene.

Pleiotropy was first discovered by Mendel during his experiment with pea plant when he noticed that flower colour is always related to the leaf axil as well as seed coat colour.

There are different types of pleiotropy including:

• Gene pleiotropy
• Developmental pleiotropy
• Antagonistic pleiotropy
• Selectional pleiotropy

In the case of marfan syndrome, inheritance of a single allele results in tall and long limb, cardiovascular and eye defects. This thus means that that single allele which represents a gene is responsible for expression of those traits. A clear cut case of pleiotropy.