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How the cheetah loses its spots

Mutations in one gene alter felines’ coat coloring

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Mutations in a single gene can alter coat patterns in both cheetahs and domestic cats, a new study finds.

Mutations in a single gene are responsible for the difference between a cheetah with typical spots (left) and the rare king cheetah coat pattern (right).