Answer :
Final answer:
The genotype of the white cat is homozygous dominant WW, hence the correct answer is a) WW.
Explanation:
Given that a white cat (WW) breeds with a heterozygous black cat (bw), we know that the white cat's genotype is homozygous dominant for the white allele; hence, the genotype is WW. This is because if the white cat had a recessive allele and passed it to any offspring, there would be a possibility of black kittens in the litter when bred with a heterozygous black cat. However, since all kittens are implied to be white due to their WW genotype, there is no inheritance of the recessive black allele (b), confirming the white cat's genotype as homozygous dominant (WW).
Possible Genotypes for Cat Coat Colors
- Entirely black cats would have a genotype of either BB or Bb since the presence of at least one dominant B allele results in a black coat.
- Entirely orange cats would also follow a similar pattern of inheritance, with their genotype being dependent on the gene responsible for orange pigmentation.
- Black and white cats exhibit a genotype with at least one dominant B allele and at least one dominant S allele for white spotting (B-S-).
This falls within genetics, a branch of biology focused on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms.
