Finally, scientists are also deciphering the mystery hidden under the stripes of cats and feline relatives like tigers, leopards …
Researchers at Stanford University (USA) have discovered that the so-called “switch” is responsible for the plumage of these animals, which is the Taqpep gene.
During the study, the scientists compared samples of biological material from dozens of domestic cats with striped and speckled spots and colored spots on their fur as well as on feline animals.
They discovered that the previously unknown parts of their genomes, located on the first chromosome, were still hiding in front of zoologists. It is the gene that determines the color and “pattern” on the fur of cats and other family members.
By studying the process of hair formation in animals, biologists have proven their hypotheses.
According to this hypothesis, at the stage of development of the gene responsible for the black color, while the dominant black pigment in these pigment cells is submerged in other pigment cells. This is why – according to their explanation – tigers have stripes that the leopard only stains (leopard, leopard, apricot …).
The genetic data for color is preserved throughout an animal’s life and is passed on in genes from parent to offspring.
In addition, this hypothesis also explains why these “patterns” appear simultaneously in cats from small to large (whereas in many species the coat color as well as the patterns change from time to time.
However, the authors also said their work is only just beginning and there are still many issues to continue to research, for example, why wild cats such as black leopards and lions have failed at all. of scratches and stains.
