Why do cats have green eyes? - briefly
Cats can have green eyes due to the presence of low concentrations of melanin in their irises. This pigment is responsible for determining eye color, and its varying levels can result in different shades of green.
Why do cats have green eyes? - in detail
Cats' eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, in the iris. Melanin comes in two forms: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red). The interaction between these two types of melanin creates various shades of eye color, including green.
The process begins with the Tyrosinase gene, which controls the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial for melanin synthesis. Mutations in this gene can lead to a decrease or absence of tyrosinase activity, affecting the amount and type of melanin produced. In cats, a specific mutation in the Tyrosinase gene causes a reduction in eumelanin production, leading to an increase in pheomelanin. This imbalance results in green eyes.
Additionally, the Modifier gene plays a significant role in determining the final eye color. This gene influences how much and what type of melanin is deposited in the iris. In cats with green eyes, the Modifier gene allows for more pheomelanin to be present in the iris, contributing to the green hue.
It's essential to note that eye color in cats is a polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by multiple genes. The combination and interaction of these genes create the diverse range of eye colors observed in felines. Moreover, environmental factors can also impact eye color development during the cat's growth stages.
In conclusion, cats possess green eyes due to a specific genetic mutation that alters melanin production and distribution in the iris. The interplay between the Tyrosinase gene and the Modifier gene, along with environmental influences, contributes to the unique and captivating eye color in felines.