Which genotype would lead to an albino mouse when considering the genetics of hair color?

Which genotype would lead to an albino mouse when considering the genetics of hair color?

• A. CC
• B. Cc
• C. cc
• D. Bb

Answer: (C)

The correct genotype that leads to an albino mouse is represented by 'cc'. In the context of mouse hair color genetics, the alleles typically involved are 'C' for the normal pigment and 'c' for the albino trait. When a mouse has two copies of the recessive allele 'c' (that is, it is homozygous recessive with the genotype 'cc'), it lacks the pigmentation necessary for hair color, resulting in an albino appearance. This happens because the recessive 'c' allele cannot produce the normal pigment found in the dominant 'C' allele. As a result, the presence of the 'cc' genotype directly determines whether the mouse will be albino or not. In contrast, if a mouse has the dominant 'C' allele (as seen in the genotypes 'CC' or 'Cc'), it indicates that the mouse has the capability to produce hair pigment, meaning it will not be albino. This relationship highlights the importance of understanding dominant and recessive alleles in determining phenotypic outcomes in genetics.

The correct genotype that leads to an albino mouse is represented by 'cc'. In the context of mouse hair color genetics, the alleles typically involved are 'C' for the normal pigment and 'c' for the albino trait.

When a mouse has two copies of the recessive allele 'c' (that is, it is homozygous recessive with the genotype 'cc'), it lacks the pigmentation necessary for hair color, resulting in an albino appearance. This happens because the recessive 'c' allele cannot produce the normal pigment found in the dominant 'C' allele. As a result, the presence of the 'cc' genotype directly determines whether the mouse will be albino or not.

In contrast, if a mouse has the dominant 'C' allele (as seen in the genotypes 'CC' or 'Cc'), it indicates that the mouse has the capability to produce hair pigment, meaning it will not be albino. This relationship highlights the importance of understanding dominant and recessive alleles in determining phenotypic outcomes in genetics.