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How to Reveal Cat Color Through Genes: The Story Behind Black, Chocolate and Cinnamon?
Cats, these adorable companion animals, are known for their smooth fur and various colors. How exactly does a cat’s color come about? This process is not just a random biological signature, but the result of a complex series of genetic interactions, with each color from black to chocolate to cinnamon having its own unique genetic backing.
The genetic basis of color
The color of a cat’s coat is mainly determined by two pigments: black pigment (eumelanin) and red pigment (xanthin). The production of eumelanin is affected by a gene called B/b/bl, which encodes an enzyme involved in the production of eumelanin. Its dominant form, B, causes black hair, while its two recessive variant forms, b (chocolate) and bl (cinnamon), cause dark brown and light brown hair respectively.
"Black cats are often considered a symbol of mystery, however, chocolate and cinnamon cats have a different taste and elegance."
The influence of two-color staining genes and gender
Gender also plays a key role in a cat's color. The sex-linked red gene is located on the X chromosome and determines whether a cat can produce eumelanin. In yellow-coated cats, red pigment completely replaces melanin, so these cats have only red or no red coat color. Male cats typically have only one X chromosome and can be yellow or non-yellow, while female cats have two X chromosomes and may display a combination of different colors.
Color dilution
Color dilution is an important genetic characteristic of cat color changes. In this case, all the colors produced are diluted, with black becoming blue (gray), chocolate becoming lavender, and red becoming cream. This change is controlled by a gene called D/d, which affects the transport and deposition of pigments.
"When we observe cats of different colors, we might as well think that this is not just a change in color, but the result of genes working silently behind the scenes."
Cat markings and special colors
In addition to basic colors, cats' coats can also display a variety of markings and features, especially striped cats. The fur of a striped cat is composed of small black stripes and a light background. The generation of stripes involves the interaction of multiple genes. Whether it is stripes, spots or textureless fur, these all show the delicate and rich genetic combination of cats.
White spots and color spots
Some cats have white spots on their fur, which is driven by the KIT gene. The production of white spots depends on mutations in this gene, which shows that a cat's color is not just a single color, but the result of multiple genes working together. In addition, the appearance of color spots, such as those in Siamese cats, is due to changes in cold and heat affecting the production of pigments.
Summary
Cat colors, from black to chocolate to cinnamon, each color tells a genetic story. Different combinations of genes determine a cat's appearance, giving them a unique look. When cats coexist with humans in the future, we might as well take a closer look at their colors and think about the genetic secrets behind these beauties and mysteries?
