Cat Has KittensThen Owner Notices Something Unexpected and Goes Viral

Summary

Cahn said that, for each gene, a cat inherits one copy, called an allele, from each parent. This determines how a particular trait will be expressed. A dominant allele requires only one copy for its trait to be expressed, while a recessive allele requires two.

Source: Newsweek on MSN.com

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Q1: What are the genetic factors that influence the coat patterns and colors in cats?

A1: Cat coat genetics are determined by various genes that influence coloration, pattern, length, and texture of feline fur. The enzyme tyrosinase, for example, is essential in producing melanin, the pigment responsible for dark colors. Burmese cats have a mutant form of this enzyme, which is active only at low temperatures, resulting in darker colors on cooler body parts like ears and tails. Albino cats, on the other hand, have a completely inactive tyrosinase gene, leading to a lack of pigmentation. Hair length is influenced by the gene for fibroblast growth factor 5, with inactive variants resulting in long hair.

Q2: How do genetic mutations in cats relate to similar conditions in humans?

A2: Cats share a high genetic similarity with humans, which makes them useful models for studying human genetic diseases. For instance, congenital sensorineural deafness in white cats with blue eyes is linked to the KIT gene, similar to hereditary deafness in humans. The Cat Genome Project has facilitated the discovery of genes responsible for various diseases in cats, potentially offering insights into human genetic conditions.

Q3: What unexpected genetic traits can be observed in cats after birth?

A3: Cats can display remarkable genetic traits such as heterochromia, where a cat has two different colored eyes, or polydactylism, where a cat has more than the usual number of toes. These traits are often due to genetic mutations and can be inherited from the parents, with dominant alleles needing only one copy to express the trait, while recessive alleles require two.

Q4: How do viral infections like Feline Calicivirus impact cats genetically and health-wise?

A4: Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious RNA virus affecting cats' upper respiratory tracts and intestines. Genetic variations in FCV strains can lead to different clinical symptoms, such as oral ulcers, respiratory diseases, and severe diarrhea. The genetic diversity of FCV strains, as seen in different regions, impacts vaccine development due to their distinct neutralization epitopes.

Q5: What role does the Cat Genome Project play in understanding feline genetics?

A5: The Cat Genome Project, initiated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, aims to elucidate the genetic makeup of cats, aiding in the understanding of hereditary and infectious diseases in felines, which can also serve as models for human diseases. The publication of the Abyssinian cat genome has led to significant discoveries in cat disease genes and the development of genetic fingerprinting for forensic use.

Q6: How do inherited genetic disorders in cats resemble those in humans?

A6: Cats and humans share many genetic disorders due to their similar metabolic pathways and genetic structures. Around 250 heritable genetic disorders have been identified in cats, many of which are analogous to human genetic conditions. This genetic similarity allows researchers to use cats as models to study human diseases, facilitating the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for both species.

Q7: What are some examples of hereditary traits that can be observed in domestic cats?

A7: Hereditary traits in domestic cats include coat color and pattern, hair length, and physical anomalies such as polydactylism. These traits are controlled by various genetic interactions. For example, the coat color is influenced by genes like tyrosinase, while hair length is determined by the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene. Such traits can be predicted through genetic testing and breeding practices.