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Kitty Chromosomes And Cats

By: Paulina Jenkins

The study of kitty chromosomes is really not much different than studying human chromosomes. It is a fascinating procedure that can offer an insight to how cat development occurs. There are many different aspects that need to be taken into consideration when studying feline DNA, and the results are astounding to many in the medical and veterinarian field.

Studies have found that there are nineteen pairs of kitty chromosomes in all cats. One pair of chromosomes is inherited from the mother and the other set is from the father. The X or Y chromosomes are responsible for the sex of the offspring.

For a cat to be a calico or tortoiseshell it must possess two X kitty chromosomes. The X chromosome has the gene for the fur colors of orange and black. The Y chromosome contains the gene that is responsible for the gender of the kittens. It also regulates the male cat's sexual development and genes. The Y chromosome has no fur color gene.

A male calico or tortoiseshell cat has two X and one Y chromosomes. All female cats have two X kitty chromosomes that contain genes creating the three calico pattern colors. A male calico or tortoiseshell has only one X chromosome. This X chromosome gives the fur color of orange or black. In the calico cat there is a gene for the white color of the calico pattern.

It may sound a bit confusing; a male calico or tortoiseshell could either be of the XY pattern or XXY combination. A female cat possesses the XX chromosome pattern. A male calico or tortoiseshell is very rare and will always be sterile. For this reason, it is not possible to mate a female calico with a male calico or tortoiseshell cat.

For a cat to be a calico or tortoiseshell it must have the two X chromosomes. These X chromosomes are responsible for the fur colors and they are inherited from the mother only. Should the kitten end up with two X chromosomes and a Y chromosome then it will be a sterile male calico and tortoiseshell.

Article Source: http://www.article-voip.com

About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a great website on cats. Learn about breeds, cat care, cat supplies and kitty chromosomes. What do you know about kitty chromosomes how it affects the gender and fur colors of a cat.

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