Genetics of cat hemoglobins: a quantitative polymorphism

Abstract

Blood samples from domestic cats, representing the parents (26) and offspring (91) from 33 matings, were analyzed to determine the proportions of hemoglobins A and B. Evidence is presented that the proportions of the two hemoglobins are genetically determined and that cats may be divided into three groups on the basis of this characteristic. Family data and Hardy-Weinberg analysis support the hypothesis that the three groups represent the possible combinations of an allelic gene pair. In an attempt to explain the observed phenotypic differences, possible points of action of this gene pair are discussed, including effects on rates of synthesis or epigenetic modification of globin chains.