According to a
recent study, published by Sindya N. Bhanoo, the particular gene that produces
the vivid dark stripes on cats is also liable for creating the spots on
cheetahs. The reason for different spots being present is a predetermined
mutation of the same gene resulting in cat stripes as well as spots on the
cheetah to become ‘blotchy’. Dr. Stephen O’Brien, a geneticist at the
University of St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as one of the lead researchers of
the latest study noted that: “Nobody had any idea what the genes were that were
involved in these things” (O’Brien). He also commented that when the feline
genome became available, his team assembled to search for the unknown genes.
This intriguing gene discovery, also known as: “Taqpep” is published in the
current issue of the ‘Journal Science’. Dr. O’Brien and his colleagues findings
were analyzed and found to be conclusive at the Hudson Alpha Institute for
Biotechnology, in Alabama; the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research, in Maryland; and Stanford University. Wondering why the gene is
called “Taqpep?” This is a specific mutation of a gene found in cheetahs,
belonging to a rare breed: known as the ‘king cheetah’ native to South Africa.
‘Tabbies’, which Dr. O’Brien clarified, with the mutation are more common in
Europe where as ‘striped tabbies’ are more common in the United States. Dr. O’Brien
ended on a note that, “we’re still fishing around to really unravel the
pathways involved in pattern forming and pigmentation” (O’Brien).
* Information obtained at www.nytimes.com
* Pictures obtained at www.caitbiology.wikispaces.com & www.nytimes.com
Figure 7.1
Figure 7.2
(The "mackerel tabby" pattern (upper) and the "blotched tabby" pattern (lower).
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