Introduction
This can be a very confusing subject especially when you first start learning. I am here to try to make this mountain easier to climb. Once you know the basics it really is quite easy!
Basic Vocabulary:
- Gene: A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA. It determines the characteristics that an organism carries. (ex. B)
- Chromosome: a line of DNA put together. (AA BB CC DD EE)
- Punnett Square: A drawing used to figure out the percentage and genes an offspring might carry.
- Dominant: Holds priority over recessine genes. Exp: If you have a rabbit with Aa the A trait will show. It is dominant.
- Incomplete Dominace: Gene does not alway hold true to the recessive/dominance pattern
- Recessive: Gene gives way to other more dominant one.
- Dilute: Dealing with the D gene. It is like watering down a color. It softens when you add the dd gene set. Black aaB_C_(D)_E_ turns in to Blue aaB_C_(dd)E_. Another example would be chocolate turning in lilac and black tort turning into chocolate tort.
- Non-Dilute: Rabbit will not show the dilute gene. (A black rabbit aaB_C_D_E is non dilute as it is D and not dd.
- Dilute Carrier:Now some sites selling rabbits will call a non-dilute a dilute carrier which means its genetic make up would be (Dd). This rabbit can produce diluted with another dilute carrier even though it does not show it in its own color.