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Genetics & Color Information

Color Terminology

https:/www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology

Hue

https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#hue-pure-color
This refers to a specific color family or wavelength. It is the most basic form of color, such as the primary colors: blue, red, and yellow.

Chroma

https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#chroma-color-saturation
The term 'chroma' refers to a color's saturation or intensity. A higher saturation indicates greater color purity.

Value

In color theory, value signifies the lightness or darkness of a color, indicating how much light it reflects or absorbs. This affects the perception of the color’s intensity and contrast.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#tint

Tint

The term 'tint' refers to the lightness of a color. A tint is a pure hue mixed with white. Pastel colors serve as examples of tints.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#tone

Tone

A pure gray is created by mixing black and white. In color terminology, tones result from adding gray to a hue, which reduces the chromatic intensity of the original color.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#shade

Shade

Adding any amount of black to a pure hue produces a shade of that color. Shades contain no gray, meaning the color can still be intense but darker.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#color-temperature

Color Temperature

In color theory, colors are classified by their warmth or coolness. Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) evoke warmth, energy, and positivity, while cool colors (blues, greens, purples) promote calmness and relaxation. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Higher temperatures (over 5000K) indicate cool colors, whereas lower temperatures (under 3000K) indicate warm colors.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#undertone

Undertone

An undertone is the subtle color beneath the main hue, often difficult to detect, especially in neutrals. However, it significantly influences how the color interacts with others and appears under different lighting conditions.
https://www.linearity.io/blog/color-tone-terminology/#overtone

Overtone

Overtones define the dominant visual impact of a color. An overtone is the immediate color identification that distinguishes the main color category, such as red, blue, or green. It's the term we use in everyday language.

Genetic Terminology

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix. DNA
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/genotype

Genotype

A score represents the type of variant found at a specific spot in the genome. It can be shown with symbols. Genotypes can also be expressed as the actual DNA sequence at that spot. Some genotypes affect an individual's visible traits, known as the phenotype.
https://www.britannica.com/science/phenotype

Phenotype

All the observable traits of an organism that result from the interaction of its genotype (complete genetic inheritance) with the environment. Examples of observable traits include behavior, biochemical properties, color, shape, and size.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Inherited

Inheritance

Inheritance in genetics refers to traits encoded in DNA and passed from parent to offspring during reproduction, following Mendelian genetics principles. These principles, established by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century through experiments with pea plants, describe how traits like color and shape are transferred across generations, introducing concepts of dominant and recessive inheritance.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Pedigree

Pedigree

A pedigree, in genetics, is a chart that diagrams the inheritance of traits or health conditions across generations of a family. It shows family relationships and indicates which individuals have the traits of interest. This graphic representation helps assess family connections, such as parent, sibling, or cousin. A pedigree can also help determine how traits or conditions are passed down through generations.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Epistasis

Epistasis

Epistasis is a phenomenon where the expression of one gene is modified (e.g., masked, inhibited, or suppressed) by the expression of one or more other genes. Interestingly, the term “epistasis” is derived from Greek roots meaning “standing upon.” A good example of epistasis can be seen in the coat color of the popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever. The coat color genes for Labrador retrievers are limited to black or chocolate. However, yellow Labrador retrievers can often be seen in dog parks. This occurs when recessive epistatic genes known as “extension genes” prevent color pigments from reaching the fur.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Dominant

Dominant

In genetics, this term describes the connection between a visible trait and the inherited gene versions. Individuals receive two alleles from their parents. For a dominant trait, only one dominant allele is needed to show the trait, while the recessive allele stays hidden. Generally, a person with two dominant alleles shows the same trait as someone with just one. However, a recessive trait needs both alleles to be present to be expressed.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/incomplete-dominance

Incomplete Dominant

Incomplete dominance occurs when two parents each contribute unique genes, resulting in offspring with an intermediate appearance. This phenomenon is also referred to as semi-dominance or partial dominance. Mendel recognized dominance but not incomplete dominance. If he had studied Mirabilis jalapa instead of peas, he would have observed that the cross between a red-flowered plant and a white-flowered one produces all pink-flowered offspring, which represent the intermediate state. A heterozygous individual has two different alleles but may not always exhibit an intermediate appearance.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Codominance

Co Dominant

Codominance, in the context of genetics, refers to a type of inheritance where two versions (alleles) of the same gene are expressed simultaneously, resulting in different traits in an individual. In this scenario, neither trait is dominant over the other; rather, both traits are visible, such as in a plant or animal exhibiting more than one pigment color. For example, when a white flower is crossed with a red flower, the resulting F1 generation displays both white and red petals. Both traits are expressed distinctly. (see incomplete dominance)
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Recessive-Traits-Alleles

Recessive

In genetics, this refers to how an observable trait is connected to the two versions of a gene that determine that trait. Individuals inherit two versions of each gene, known as alleles, from their parents. For a recessive trait to be expressed, both alleles of the gene must be identical and both must be present. If someone has only one of the recessive alleles, the trait will not be visible. This differs from a dominant trait, which requires just one of the two alleles to be expressed.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Polygenic-Trait

Polygenic

A trait, such as height or skin color, that is influenced by multiple genes. Because many genes contribute, polygenic traits do not adhere to simple inheritance patterns. These traits can also be affected by environmental factors, making them multifactorial.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2679206/

XY and ZW Chromosomes

In XY and ZW systems, the sex chromosomes are not equivalent because one of them fails to pair correctly and accumulates harmful mutations. In the XY system, this is the Y chromosome that deteriorates; in the ZW system, it is the W chromosome. Currently, the mammalian X chromosome contains over three times as many genes as the Y, while the chicken Z chromosome has over ten times more than the W.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/homologous-recombination

Homologous Recombination

Genetic recombination occurs when DNA sequences are exchanged between similar DNA molecules. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes from parents align, facilitating the exchange of comparable DNA sequences. This process serves as a crucial source of genetic variation in offspring.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10712277/

Chromatophores

Vertebrate coloration arises from pigments, special structures, and interactions among three types of color cells known as chromatophores. Mammals and birds possess melanocytes, which produce brown melanin. In contrast, reptiles and cold-blooded vertebrates contain melanophores for melanin, alongside xanthophores, which hold white, yellow, and red pigments, and iridophores, which reflect light through guanine crystals to create colors.
https://medlineplus.gov/download/genetics/gene/tyr.pdf

Tyrosinase

The TYR gene gives instructions for the enzyme tyrosinase, which is found in melanocytes and helps produce melanin. Melanin colors the skin, hair, and eyes, and is essential for vision in the retina. Tyrosinase starts melanin production by changing the amino acid tyrosine into dopaquinone, which is then converted into melanin in the skin, hair follicles, iris, and retina.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/conditions/C0078918/

Oculocutaneous Albinism, OCA

Researchers have identified various types of oculocutaneous albinism, distinguished by changes in skin, hair, and eye color, as well as genetic causes. Type 1 features white hair, very pale skin, and light-colored irises. Type 2 is milder, with creamy white skin and light yellow to light brown hair. Type 3, known as rufous oculocutaneous albinism, affects individuals with darker skin, presenting reddish-brown skin, ginger or red hair, and hazel or brown irises, and often has milder vision issues. Type 4 shows symptoms similar to type 2.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/conditions/C0268495/

T-/T+, Tyrosinase Negative/Positive, OCA Type IA/IB

Tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by decreased pigmentation in hair, skin, and eyes. 'Albinism' includes ocular changes due to reduced melanin, crucial for diagnosis. Although OCA caused by TYR gene mutations was traditionally called 'tyrosinase-negative,' some 'tyrosinase-positive' patients may have TYR mutations with residual enzyme activity, classifying them as OCA1B. Oculocutaneous Albinism OCA1, caused by TYR mutations, is divided into two types: type IA (OCA1A), with a complete lack of tyrosinase activity, and type IB (OCA1B), with reduced activity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/338324

Hypopigmentation, OCA Type IV

Oculocutaneous albinism type IV (OCA4) is a genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes. The degree of pigmentation can vary from mild to severe. Hair color can range from white to yellow, blonde, or brown, with gray, blue-gray, or brown eyes. Other eye issues may include poor vision, underdeveloped macula, optic nerve abnormalities, or unusual blood vessels in the eye (Rundshagen et al., 2004).

Hyperpigmentation

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/heterozygous

Heterozygous

Heterozygosity in genetics means having different versions (alleles) of a gene from each parent. A person who is heterozygous for a gene has two different versions of that gene. On the other hand, a person who is homozygous for a gene has two identical versions of that gene.
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/homozygous

Homozygous

In genetics, the term means having the same versions (alleles) of a genetic marker from both parents. Therefore, a person who is homozygous for a genetic marker has two identical versions of that marker. In comparison, a person who is heterozygous for a marker has two different versions of that marker.

Genetic Traits We Work With

(Disclaimer, I am not a geneticist, I am an artist. Descriptions are based on their visual representation, as observed through the lens of color theory.)

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation, also known as T-, Tyrosinase Negative, OCA Type I or Amelanistic. “Albino” presents with a lack of melanin (black & brown pigments), pink eyes and tongue and pink/orange/yellow blotched white bellies. (See Oculocutaneous Albinism above)

TLDR: Heterozygous, co dominant, pattern mutation, single form presents with reduced body pattern and fused back saddles, white side-walls frame a solid or dark colored belly, with some variation in combos. Captive bred by Brent Bumgardner in 2004. (see explanation of co dom/incomplete dom, above)

TLDR: Homozygous, co dominant, pattern mutation, double or “Super” form presents with a completely reduced “patternless” body. Side-walls and belly are more defined and heavily contrasted than the single form Anaconda pattern. (This is Lavender’s favorite mutation!)

TLDR: Heterozygous, co dominant, color enhancement mutation; single form presents with an increase of leucophores in the body color (white pigments) and heavier concentration of melanin (black & brown) in the saddles. This creates lighter, “creamy” tinted bodies with higher contrast in the saddles and head stamps. The lower expression presents with darker stripes of melanin at the edges of saddles on a lighter brown/gray body, darker than high-expression, sometimes higher white concentration around saddles and head stamp. Also known as JMG Axanthic. Produced by Jeff Galewood Jr. @JMGReptile by separating the epistastic relationship between Lemon Ghost & Arctic mutations.
(see epistasis and incomplete/co dominance above)

TLDR: Homozygous, co dominant, color enhancement mutation, “Super” form presents with the highest melanin concentration in the saddles and further enhances leucophores in the body coloration, creating a high-contrast, black/brown, & white morph. They often have transparent scales along cheeks and bellies, and rose-pink tails and cheeks.

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation, Axanthic presents with a reduction or removal of xanthophores and erythrophores (yellow & red pigments) producing an over all neutral gray-toned & white morph. Similar in appearance to Arctic, except two copies are needed to produce visuals. Instead of increased leucophores there is a suppression of xanthophores. First produced by Brent Bumgardner in 2009.

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation presents as a creamy caramel body color with darker caramel saddles and a reduced or removed head stamp. Produced by Craig Trumbower in 2001. (See OCA Type II, hypopigmentation above)

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation. Presents with reduced melanin (hypomelanistic pigmentation), producing tan/cream morphs with reduction in black/brown saddles, purplish eyes, tongues, and bellies. Red lineages will be more red/orange than tan in the saddles. Evans Hypo was founded by Richard Evans in the late 90’s. The first Dutch Hypos were produced in the Netherlands by Michel Klumpers and were said to be of red lineage, though red lines exist of both lines. (see OCA Type IV & hypopigmentation above)

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation, presents as pink-brown-lavender body color & saddles with a reduction in melanin and overall contrast, matching  eyes, tongues, and bellies. First produced by David Turcotte in 2008. (see OCA Type I-IV above)

TLDR: Dominant, color enhancement mutation, Pastel presents as a brightening and lightening of body color and pattern, pushing the xanthophores (yellows/reds/whites) in some combos. Pastel line founded by Reptiles Breeding Enterprises.

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color enhancement mutation, presents with hypermelanistic pigmentation (heavy concentration of black & brown) in the body and pattern. Transparent scales on belly and face often present.

TLDR: Homozygous, recessive, color mutation, presents as lack of melanin and a creamy colored body with darker toned toffee saddles, purplish eyes and tongue and a darker toffee belly. (see OCA Type II above)