Glossary

alleles
Variants of a gene that may be followed genetically, usually through their phenotypic effect, but also using a molecular assay, such as PCR.
antagonistic pleiotropy
Refers to a situation in which a single gene creates multiple opposing effects, such that beneficial effects of a trait created by the gene are offset by 'losses' in other traits.
phenotypes
The observable traits or characteristics of an organism, such as its biochemical, morphological, physiological or behavioural characteristics.
pleiotropic
Describes a cellular process, signal or gene that has more than one effect, or more than one phenotypic outcome. At the genetic level, describes a situation where a single mutation affects two or more apparently unrelated phenotypic traits.