Mouse showing agouti fur, England, 1999
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The mouse labelled number one shows agouti fur – alternating black and yellow coloured individual hairs caused by chromosome 2. Genes that control inherited traits such as hair and eye colour are located on specific chromosomes. Agouti is also the name of genes that control hair colour. It is shown here with four other mice with different fur colours and types caused by chromosomal changes. All were donated by the Medical Research Council’s Harwell Research Centre, a research institute dedicated to using mouse genetics to help understand human disease.
Object number:
E2000.245.1
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: genetics
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Glossary: mouse
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Glossary: gene
Part of the nucleus of a cell that determines how our bodies function. Genes are passed from parents to children.
Glossary: bioengineering
The development of artificial replacement limbs, organs and tissues. It also refers to the use of plants in controlling erosion and in landscape restoration.
Glossary: chromosomes
The basic elements of DNA - carriers of genetic information.