Okay so (eWh) is Wheaten, so what is the small e stand for? And does eWh have to be doubled?
I'm just trying to get a small grasp on this genetics stuff.
@Kev
E is the name for the specific locus(a specific region on a chromosome) identified for a series of mutations. Kinda like a specific house number on a specific street on a chromosome map.
E locus is, iirc named after Extended black. Basically first discovered, first name sticks for rest of time.
you use "e" at the start to identify which locus you are talking about. As in e= we are talking about the house at 123 Extended Street.
There are several potential individuals(mutations) who may reside at 123 Extended St. They are: E, ER, eWh, e+, eb. (Extended black, Birchen, red duckwing, partridge/dark brown)
So.... eWh is Mr. Wheaten, located at 123 Extended St. (wondering if this imagery helps?)
Actually, two extra things.... capital lettering means a mutation gene that is dominant over the wild type(the common/original colors/genes found in the wild animals). Lowercase means recessive to wild type. This is why Na for naked neck,, it is dominant over non-naked neck.
The second thing, a locus can have several mutations, E, ER, eWh and eb are excellent examples of this. How to show their dominance order? one way was to superscript them. A big challenge to do that on most websites... for a while E^R, E^Wh was attempted but it;s a bit cumbersome so the ^ was dropped and it became ER,eWh. I am not sure why it's lowercase e for wheaten though as it is dominant over red duckwing.
extra fun fact/theory... Birchen(ER) was the "first mutation" at the e locus. Then there was a mutation of the Birchen gene, resulting in the Exteneded black(E). Then there was a mutation of the E gene resulting in... partridge(eb). The most recessive gene and not "black" at all..
A mutation of a mutation and then a mutation of that. Funny eh?
