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Geneticists Discover Key Gene for Cats' Orange Fur

4/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a groundbreaking 2024 discovery, geneticists pinpointed the Arhgap36 gene responsible for the vibrant orange fur in domestic cats. This gene, tied to a 5 kilobase deletion on the X chromosome, unravels the mystery behind the striking color differences between male and female cats, shedding light on the science of feline pigmentation.

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Story summary

In a groundbreaking 2024 discovery, geneticists pinpointed the Arhgap36 gene responsible for the vibrant orange fur in domestic cats. This gene, tied to a 5 kilobase deletion on the X chromosome, unravels the mystery behind the striking color differences between male and female cats, shedding light on the science of feline pigmentation.