Question

Outline a project which aims to find the dominant coat colour in dogs.

Answer 1

Coat colour in dogs is governed by a variety of genes. At least 11 genes have been identified that influence the colour of coat in a dog. A dominant gene is a gene that is expressed in both homozygous as well as heterozygous conditions, whereas recessive gene is only expressed in homozygous condition.

Let us consider, one parent is homozygous black (BB) and another parent is homozygous brown (bb). Cross between the two parent produces the offspring with the genetic make-up: Bb. Now we don't know whether Black is dominant or brown is dominant. By observing the off-springs produced are we can say which one is a dominant trait. If the $F_1$ generation comprisess of black we can say black is dominant and if it is brown then we can say brown is dominant.