Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 3 d ago, last 1 h ago, peak #9

Scientists find genetic cause of orange cat coloring

Original: Two sets of investigators have found that orange cats have their color because of a deletion of ~5,000 base pairs at a p

Two independent research teams have identified why orange cats are orange: a deletion of roughly 5,000 base pairs on the X chromosome affects a gene controlling pigment. Because male cats carry only one X chromosome, the mutation makes them fully orange, while females, with two X chromosomes, show patchy patterns like calico coloring.

Why now: New genetic findings explain a familiar and beloved cat trait, sparking wide interest.

orange catscalico catsX chromosome

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Evidence

• Two sets of investigators have found that orange cats have their color because of a deletion of ~5,000 base pairs at a particular location on the X chromosome. Because males have only one X chromosome, they end up orange everywhere. Females have patchy orange (e.g., calico)… · rdnielsen@floss.social · 5

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