Pleiotropic alleles are found only on sex chromosomes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of pleiotropy: Pleiotropy occurs when one gene influences multiple phenotypic traits. This means that a single allele can have multiple effects on an organism's phenotype.
Evaluate the first statement: 'Pleiotropic alleles are only expressed in homozygous individuals.' This statement is incorrect because pleiotropic alleles can be expressed in both homozygous and heterozygous individuals, depending on the dominance of the allele.
Evaluate the second statement: 'Pleiotropic alleles result in a single phenotypic trait.' This statement is incorrect because pleiotropy, by definition, involves a single allele affecting multiple traits, not just one.
Evaluate the third statement: 'Pleiotropic alleles influence multiple phenotypic traits.' This statement is correct as it aligns with the definition of pleiotropy, where one allele affects multiple traits.
Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Pleiotropic alleles are found only on sex chromosomes.' This statement is incorrect because pleiotropic alleles can be located on any chromosome, not just sex chromosomes.