Question

Consider a gene in a metabolic process that is important for converting an initial substrate (like an amino acid) into a product that can be used in many different pathways. This particular gene likely:

    a.  
does not display a phenotype when homozygous for a mutation

    b.  
is a dominant trait

    c.  
has pleiotropic effects as many other pathways depend on it

    d.  
does not have significant impact on the phenotype of the individual when mutated

    e.  
is a recessive trait

Answer 1

Out of the given options, It can not be determined whether the gene is recessive or dominant. Moreoever, when the gene is homozygous for a mutation, it will definitely display an altered phenotype and can have significant impact on the phenotype of individual when mutated. Since the gene converts a substrate into a product which is a component of many biochemical pathways, it means that the mutation in the gene can have pleitropic effects (i.e. it can affect more than one pathways leading to alterations in more than one phenotypic traits). Pleiotropy is the phenomenon where one gene influences more than one characters. therefore option C is the correct answer.

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