A single gene may control corn snake's skin pattern diversity

One gene defines the many patterns of snake skin

In many animals, skin coloration and its patterns play a crucial role in camouflage, communication, or thermoregulation. In the corn snake, some morphs display red, yellow, or pink blotches, and their dorsal spots can merge or turn into stripes. But which genetic and cellular mechanisms determine these colorful patterns? A team discovered that a single gene, CLCN2, is involved in these variations.

A single gene may control corn snake's skin pattern diversity

In many animals, skin coloration and its patterns play a crucial role in camouflage, communication, or thermoregulation. In the corn snake, some morphs display red, yellow, or pink blotches, and their dorsal spots can merge or turn into stripes. But which genetic and cellular mechanisms determine these colorful patterns?

A single gene is involved in snake's skin pattern diversity

One gene defines the many patterns of snake skin. Continue reading A single gene is involved in snake’s skin pattern diversity on Tech Explorist.

A single gene defines the skin motifs of the wheat snake. This is shown in a Geneva study published in Genome Biology, which opens up new perspectives on the evolution and genetics of animal colouring.