Genetics 101
Below are some definitions to help you better understand the genetics and how they work.
Allele vs Gene
A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity that determines a certain trait. An allele is one of these form of a gene. For example, the gene for coat color has several variations (alleles); such as alleles for Leucistic or alleles for Creamino.
An allele is one member of a pair of genes found at a fixed spot on a chromosome. Each chromosome is made up in pairs, therefore each organism has two alleles for each gene — one allele in each chromosome in the pair. Each chromosome in the pair is inherited from a different parent, sugar gliders inherit one allele from each parent for each gene. The two alleles inherited from parents may be same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
An allele is one member of a pair of genes found at a fixed spot on a chromosome. Each chromosome is made up in pairs, therefore each organism has two alleles for each gene — one allele in each chromosome in the pair. Each chromosome in the pair is inherited from a different parent, sugar gliders inherit one allele from each parent for each gene. The two alleles inherited from parents may be same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
Genotype vs. Phenotype
Genotype is the combination of alleles carried by the sugar glider. This includes alleles that are not physically expressed (observable characteristics). Phenotype is the physical expression of the genes.
Homozygous vs. Heterozygous
There are two alleles for every gene, one on each chromosome. If the two alleles are the same, they are called homozygous. If they are different, they are heterozygous (het). For example, if a sugar glider is a Leucistic, it is homozygous because it inherited two Leucistic alleles. If a sugar glider is grey but inherited one Leucistic allele, and one grey (wild type) allele, it is considered a Leucistic Het.
Dominant vs. Recessive
Alleles can be either dominant or recessive. A dominant allele will always be expressed if inherited. For example, the allele for Mosaic or White Face is dominant. If a sugar glider inherits an allele for Mosaic from one parent, it will be physically expressed. On the other hand, a recessive allele is one that will only be expressed if it is found on both genes; one inherited from each parent. For example, if a sugar glider inherits the Leucistic allele from each parent, it will be express as a Leucistic (white) sugar glider.
Coefficient of Inbreeding - COI
Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) is the possibility, in a percentage, the offspring has a pair of alleles that are identical by descent from a common ancestor. Breeders strive for a low to 0% COI.
Understanding the COI will reduce the potential of inbreeding and potential genetic problems.
Understanding the COI will reduce the potential of inbreeding and potential genetic problems.
Kinship
The comparative family relationship between two sugar gliders by demonstrating their common descent from a known ancestor.
