What genotype does a red cat and a black cat have? - briefly
The genotype of a red cat is typically determined by the presence of the orange (O) allele on the X chromosome, while a black cat's genotype is influenced by the non-orange (o) allele and possibly the presence of the B (black) allele for solid color.
What genotype does a red cat and a black cat have? - in detail
The genotype of cats, particularly in relation to their coat color, is determined by several genes. One of the most significant genes involved in feline coat color genetics is the O (Orange) gene, also known as the Agouti gene. This gene has two main alleles: O (dominant) and o (recessive). The presence or absence of the 'O' allele significantly influences the cat's coat color.
For a red cat, the genotype is typically OO or Oo. The 'O' allele is responsible for producing a red pigment called pheomelanin, which gives the cat its characteristic reddish hue. This allele can be inherited from either parent and is dominant over the recessive 'o' allele. Therefore, even if one of the alleles is 'o', the presence of at least one 'O' allele will result in a red coat color.
In contrast, a black cat's genotype is usually oo or Bb (or BB, where B is for black). The 'o' allele allows the production of eumelanin, which is responsible for black pigmentation. However, the expression of the black color also depends on another gene called the B (Brown) gene. The B gene has two alleles: B (dominant) and b (recessive). If a cat carries at least one 'B' allele (Bb or BB), it can produce eumelanin, leading to a black coat color. If both alleles are 'b' (bb), the cat will have a brown coat instead of black.
It is important to note that other genes and modifiers can also influence the final coat color in cats. For example, the dilution gene can lighten the coat color, and various patterns such as tabby or tortoiseshell can further modify the appearance. However, when it comes to the fundamental distinction between red and black coats, the O and B genes are the primary determinants.
In summary, a red cat typically has an OO or Oo genotype, while a black cat usually has an oo or Bb (or BB) genotype. These genetic differences underlie the striking variations in feline coat colors observed among different breeds and individual cats.