Answer to Question #70241 in Genetics for Nikhil

Question

Can lethal genes be considered as a part of Pleiotropic genes or are they two different things? Eg: Sickle cell anaemia is an example of pleotropic gene but it can also mean presence of lethal genes in homozygous recessive state and semi lethal in heterozygous state?

Answer 1

Yes, lethal genes can be considered as a part of pleiotropic genes. Second question is not a question actually, but anyway, yes, sickle cell anemia is good example of disease caused by pleotropic gene with lethal effect.