X-inactivation Marks the Spot for Cat Coat Color

[fierytopaz]

Since my daughters project is concerning the above mentioned problem, she has had no help from her teacher regarding the variables, control level, etc. She listed the Independent variable as CATS, the dependent variable as PATTERNS AND COLOR OF FUR. However, the teacher has marked her proposal with all kinds of different questions that she can't seem to answer. She says my daughter needs more info on the different variables and a control level. Can you help?? Much appreciation.

[deleted-71490]

It sounds like this is the first student science project.

This link will walk you through the language and terms of science and preparing school science projects.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/ _guide_index.shtml?From=body

Once you have gone over the site, please ask all the questions you want.


Good luck,

Matthew W. MUlanax

[deleted-71670]

What is the experiment your daughter is planning to do?

The role of X-inactivation in cat coat color is that only females can be tricolored (calico or tortoiseshell) because one color gene is on the X, and different X's turn off in different patches of cells. HEre's some info on coat color genetics: http://fanciers.com/other-faqs/color-genetics.html

So she might hypothesize that different patterns will appear in different ratios in male vs. female cats. Controlling the cat gender and recording what color pattern they have.

Occasionally there are genetic "mistakes" leading to unexpected results. I think I remember reading somewhere that in Japan, male calicos were once highly prized.

Amber