![]() However, when they are not, often times one gene is capable of suppressing the other and stopping it from “working.” A gene that suppresses another gene is called a “Dominant” gene. Sometimes, both copies of the gene are exactly the same. Remember that DNA has two copies of each gene within the cell. If you have spent anytime with genetics, you will have heard the terms “Dominant” and “Recessive,” though they might not have meant anything to you. Females, on the other hand, can have two copies of black, two copies of red OR one copy of each – which is the foundation for what one might call the “3rd” Basic color – Tortoiseshell. ![]() Since male cats only have one copy of the X chromosome, they can either be black or red – but not both. However, the location of the gene for black or red is on the X chromosome. Genes for different things, such as hair length or eye color, are found on the chromosomes that are NOT the sex chromosomes. Now we can come back to the Black and Red concept. There are other chromosomes other than X and Y, but they are identical in both male and female. The males can either pass on X or Y, so it is the father that determines the sex of the offspring. So every male animal is actually half a female.)Įach parent donates one copy of DNA to the offspring (that explains why the two copies can have different genes.) Since females ONLY have X chromosomes, they can only pass on X chromosomes. (Fun Fact: The “Y” chromosome is actually a “wilted” or degenerate X. That pairing is either XX (named because they appear to both be in X shapes) for females of XY for males. ![]() ![]() There is only one except to this rule, that is the pairing of the “sex” chromosomes. Each copy is virtually the same, though small parts might have differences (such as the size of your ring fingers might be the same, but the prints are still different). To put it in simple terms, there are two copies of the DNA in each cell. Those pieces are called “Chromosomes.” Because DNA is the most absolutely complex and incredible instrument of the living world, it has a built-in redundancy system – that is, a copy – that it keeps with it all times. The DNA for every organism is different – just as each human has unique fingerprints, however, there are parts of the DNA “blueprint” that are shared (just as all humans have hands and fingers, even if the fingerprints are different.)ĭNA is incredibly long and complex, and it is broken into smaller pieces within the cells of animals in order to be more functional. DNA is basically the blueprint by which all parts and bits of an organism is made. Inside of every cell in every living creature, from the simplest bacteria to humans, there is a substance called DNA. Now a little of cellular structure must be understood to expand to the next point. What are those 2 colors? Black or Red (this is sometimes called Orange). That’s right – 2 – nothing more and certainly nothing less. When you take away all the fancy modifications/additions/dilutions/ect of cat genetics, you will discover that really, there are only 2 genes for color. The Absolute Basic Idea of Color Genetics Also, if a breeder isn’t too sure of genetics and wants to breed for certain color(s), this should help plan out breedings. This is to help people learn how to determine the possible colors for their litters without having to resort to asking others every single time. The purpose of this article is to explain color genetics in the most basic form possible, starting with the smallest part and building from there. It’s easier to do that than oftentimes rather than actually explain about colors and genetics. Usually, people who understand color genetics will just list out the possible colors. So many times, the question is heard – if I breed a cat of “(insert color here)” to a cat of “(insert color here),” what color will the babies be?
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