The term "pleiotropy" refers to:
One gene affects multiple traits
Pleiotropy (from Greek pleion 'more' and tropos 'turn') is a genetic phenomenon in which a single gene influences two or more apparently unrelated phenotypic traits. A classic example is the gene mutation that causes sickle-cell disease: it affects haemoglobin shape, red blood cell longevity, blood viscosity, susceptibility to malaria and several organ-system functions — all from a single gene.
Distinguishing the other options:
Option B describes polygenic inheritance, where many genes contribute to one trait (e.g. height, skin colour).
Option C describes a point mutation in one allele.
Option D describes gene duplication, where a region of DNA carrying a gene is duplicated.
Hence, the correct answer is One gene affects multiple traits.
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