Calico Cats are Female Because

Question

Calico cats are female because
A)the males die during embryonic development.
B)a male inherits only one of the two X-linked genes controlling hair colour.
C)the Y chromosome has a gene blocking orange colouration.
D)only females can have Barr bodies.
E)multiple crossovers on the Y chromosome prevent orange pigment production.

Accepted Answer

Calico cats require two X chromosomes to express the orange and black fur coloration. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. Therefore, female cats can inherit different versions (alleles) of the X-linked genes for fur coloration, resulting in the patches of different colors seen in calico cats. Male cats, on the other hand, can only inherit one allele for fur coloration, making it unlikely for them to display the calico pattern.