Salmiak Cats

[ysabetwordsmith]

There's a "new" color of cats, salmiak or salty licorice.  Compare with earlier references to roan / Finnish mutation / karpati.  Since these scientists went to the trouble of gene-sequencing the cats, and helpfully defining this as a recessive color based on missing a section of genes, their name for it will likely stick.

Comments

[chanter1944]

*falls over* Squeeeee!

[siliconshaman]

Given what cat genetics is like, that's an impressive bit of work. It also means we now have a more detailed understanding of cat coat colour genetics, I'm betting the missing sequence will be something like a regulatory gene sequence.

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Given what cat genetics is like, that's an impressive bit of work. <<

True, although colors in dogs and horses aren't really simpler.

>> It also means we now have a more detailed understanding of cat coat colour genetics, I'm betting the missing sequence will be something like a regulatory gene sequence. <<

That makes sense. I would compare it to other roaning and dappling examples.

[kellan_the_tabby]

... oh wow, they are PRETTY!

cute :3

[krakendelsur]

Salty licorice?
Heh. I like that. It sounds cute.

Re: cute :3

[ysabetwordsmith]

Check out the actual candy. It's a good match.

Re: cute :3

[krakendelsur]

Hah! So it is :D