X inactivation in calico cat fur results in ________________.
A) formation of secondary male characteristics
B) mosaic hair color in females
C) mosaic hair color in males
D) hairless phenotype
E) all-white hair color

Question

X inactivation in calico cat fur results in ________________.  
A) formation of secondary male characteristics
B) mosaic hair color in females
C) mosaic hair color in males
D) hairless phenotype
E) all-white hair color

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Calico cat fur is determined by X inactivation, a process where one of the two X chromosomes in females is randomly turned off in each cell during early development. This results in patches of different hair colors, creating a mosaic effect in females. Males only have one X chromosome and therefore cannot have this mosaic pattern. Formation of secondary male characteristics, hairless phenotype, or all-white hair color are not related to X inactivation in calico cats.

X Inactivation in Calico Cat Fur Results in ________________