The X -linked orange gene has two alleles, O and o . These two are codominant, i

Question

The X-linked orange gene has two alleles, O and o. These two are codominant, in that homozygous or hemizygous cats for o have the normal black pigment in their fur, while homozygotes or hemizygotes for O have the black pigment converted to orange. Heterozygotes are mosaics with patches of orange and black (known as tortie or calico). A mating between an orange female cat and a black male cat produces a male kitten who is a mosaic of black and orange fur. In one sentence, explain how this happened.

Explanation / Answer

The resultant male cat is a mosaic of black and orange fur. In that case the genotype of the black male cat would be 'Oo' and the parents would have been homozygous (orange female OO and black male oo). This is the only way we can get 100% chance of getting mosaic male cat.

If both parents were hemizygous, there is only 25% chance of getting the mosaic male cat.

If either of the parent was hemizygous, there is a 50% chance of getting the mosaic male cat.

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