pleiotaxy

/ˌpleɪ.ɪ.ɔːk.sɪ/ or /ˌpleɪ.ɪ.oʊ.taksi/

Definitions

1. noun

The phenomenon where a single gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.

“The study of pleiotaxy revealed surprising connections between eye color and skin tone in the population.”

2. noun

A gene that affects multiple phenotypic traits.

“The pleiotaxy of the dominant gene resulted in tall stature and increased resistance to disease.”

Synonyms

  • heterochronic
  • pleiotropic effects

Antonyms

  • monogenic inheritance