Summary
Scientists from Japan and the United States have discovered that ginger cats have a missing section in their DNA, which makes their fur lighter. This genetic trait is carried on the X chromosome, which explains why more ginger cats are male. The study was funded by cat lovers through crowdfunding, raising hopes that this research could help understand health issues related to ginger cats.
Key Facts
- Scientists discovered why ginger cats have their distinctive color due to missing DNA in a gene called ARHGAP36.
- The ARHGAP36 gene influences the cells responsible for fur, skin, and eye color.
- Male ginger cats are more common because the relevant gene is on the X chromosome, and males have only one X chromosome.
- Female cats need the missing DNA on both of their X chromosomes to have the same ginger color, often resulting in mixed colors like calico.
- The study was conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Japan and Stanford University in the US.
- Cat lovers crowdfunded the research, contributing over 10.6 million yen.
- Findings may help understand potential health issues connected to the gene in other body areas.
