Which gene combination defines a Ruby-eyed white rabbit?

Which gene combination defines a Ruby-eyed white rabbit?

• A. rr
• B. RW
• C. cc
• D. RE

Answer: (C)

The gene combination that defines a Ruby-eyed white rabbit is represented by the combination cc. This designation refers to a specific gene responsible for the absence of pigment in the rabbit's coat, specifically affecting the fur and eye color. In rabbits, the "c" gene is associated with a lack of pigmentation, leading to a white coat. When a rabbit has two copies of this gene (cc), it results in the characteristic Ruby eyes, which appear red or pink due to the visibility of the underlying blood vessels. This genetic trait is crucial for distinguishing Ruby-eyed white rabbits from other color variations in the breed, making cc the correct gene combination for this particular phenotype. Understanding the genetics behind these colorations is significant in rabbit breeding and the identification of breed standards.

The gene combination that defines a Ruby-eyed white rabbit is represented by the combination cc. This designation refers to a specific gene responsible for the absence of pigment in the rabbit's coat, specifically affecting the fur and eye color. In rabbits, the "c" gene is associated with a lack of pigmentation, leading to a white coat. When a rabbit has two copies of this gene (cc), it results in the characteristic Ruby eyes, which appear red or pink due to the visibility of the underlying blood vessels. This genetic trait is crucial for distinguishing Ruby-eyed white rabbits from other color variations in the breed, making cc the correct gene combination for this particular phenotype. Understanding the genetics behind these colorations is significant in rabbit breeding and the identification of breed standards.