5. TRPV4 is a gene in cats that encodes for calcium permeable ion channels. The Scottish Fold is a breed of cats
that have a mutated dominant TRPV4 gene. Mutations to this
dominant gene cause developmental issues in bones and
cartilages. One copy of the mutated dominant gene causes
the signature "fold" in the ears of the Scottish fold breed. Two
copies of the dominant gene cause a condition known as
osteochondrodysplasia (crippling effect) and causes
significant issues to the tail, limbs, and paws of the cat.
Imagine you are a part of the local government and have
been tasked with creating a set of rules for breeders of
Scottish fold cats. 1) determine all possible gene
combinations and their resulting phenotypes. 2) Determine
the acceptable genotypes that breeders can cross so that no
cats will be born with osteochondrodysplasia.
Normal (straight) ears
Scottish Fold
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