Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 14 h ago, last 55 min ago, peak #9

Scientists uncover 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 some cats are orange: a deletion of roughly 5,000 base pairs on the X chromosome. Since males carry only one X chromosome, they become orange all over, while females with two X chromosomes show patchy orange coloring, such as in calico cats. The findings explain a long-standing quirk of cat coat genetics.

Why now: The simultaneous publication of two studies resolving a long-standing mystery in cat genetics is drawing wide attention.

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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