Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 1 d ago, last 26 min 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 research teams have identified why orange cats are orange: a deletion of roughly 5,000 base pairs at a specific spot on the X chromosome affects pigment genes. Because male cats carry only one X chromosome, the trait colors their entire coat, while females, with two X chromosomes, show patchy orange patterns such as calico and tortoiseshell. The findings explain a long-observed quirk of cat coat genetics.

Why now: New genetic research offers the first clear explanation for a familiar and much-loved cat trait.

orange catsX chromosomecalico cats

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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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