Question

How is sickle cell anemia an example of a pleiotropy? Sickle cell anemia is caused by a pair of genes present on different loci of the same chromosome. Sickle cell anemia shows a continuous variation in the population. Sickle cell alleles affect various organ systems, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems. NextReset

Answer 1

Sickle cell alleles affect various organ systems, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Answer 2

Sickle cell alleles affect various organ systems, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pleiotropy is the condition when one gene regulates more than one trait. Sickle cell anemia leads to the formation of sickle-shaped RBCs which in turn stick together and block the blood vessels. Hence, sickle cell anemia reduces the blood supply by the cardiovascular system.

The same disease also affects the respiratory system by reducing oxygen delivery to the body parts. The affected hemoglobin is less efficient in carrying oxygen. This leads to to the increased pressure of the respiratory system to compensate for decreased oxygen supply.