What does the term "pleiotropy" refer to in genetics?

Pleiotropy refers to a situation in genetics where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits. This phenomenon occurs when a single allele affects various characteristics due to the interconnected pathways and processes within an organism. For example, one gene may govern not only a specific trait, such as flower color, but also other traits like plant height or seed shape. This is significant in understanding genetic disorders, as many medical conditions can involve pleiotropic effects where one genetic mutation can lead to multiple symptoms or characteristics. Therefore, the correct understanding of pleiotropy captures the complexity of gene function and its broad impact on an organism's phenotype.