Question

genetic factors in inheritance quick check
a genetic disease is found in a family that affects the immune system, lungs, heart, and kidneys
a dna analysis of several affected and unaffected family members determines that the disease
is caused by a mutation in a single gene. what type of inheritance pattern is shown in this
disease? (1 point)
incomplete dominance
polygenic trait
pleiotropy
codominance

Explanation:

• Incomplete dominance: Blends traits (e.g., pink flowers from red/white parents), does not involve one gene affecting multiple organs.
• Polygenic trait: Controlled by multiple genes, but the question states a single gene causes the disease.
• Pleiotropy: Occurs when one single gene mutation affects multiple distinct phenotypic traits (here, immune system, lungs, heart, kidneys), matching the description.
• Codominance: Both alleles are fully expressed (e.g., blood type AB), not related to multi-organ effects from one gene.

Answer:

pleiotropy