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Pleiotropy; pleiotropic effects

A phenomenon in which one gene can influence two or more independent characteristics

It is an oversimplification to imagine that one gene results in one protein and governs one trait. Most traits are governed by several genes interacting in complex, interdependent relationships.

Complexity also occurs in the opposite direction. In some cases, one gene may influence several traits with no apparent relation. This phenomenon is called pleiotropy. In the case of transgenic plants, a foreign gene could have an unanticipated effect on another trait. This would be known as a pleiotropic effect.