Chapter 14, Problem 13TYU

SYNTHESIZE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Some mutations result in proteins that function well at one temperature but are nonfunctional at a different (usually higher) temperature. Siamese cats have such a “temperature-sensitive” mutation in a gene encoding an enzyme that makes dark pigment in the fur. The mutation results in the breed's distinctive point markings and lighter body color (see the photo). Using this information and what you learned in the chapter, explain the pattern of the cat’s fur pigmentation.