Controversal Topic: Genetics Termonology

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I stated in another thread that I will be launching a Ball Python version of CornsnakeMorphGallery.com (look for it the beginning of June!) and I find myself presented with a slight problem...

Technically, quite a few of these ball python morphs are inappropriately being called co-dominant when in fact they are more so incomplete dominant. I'm finding myself in the position to either list them incorrectly to "go with the flow" or list them correctly and make some people unhappy.

Working with Cornsnakes, a lot of time has been taken identifying the morphs and using and teaching the proper terminology. The first dominant Cornsnake mutation was recently identified, so mostly we work with recessives...However their are a few oddballs, Motley & Stripe for example, which are allelic to each other. A "cornsnake person" has even taken the time to write Genetics for Herpers to outline all of the information in an easy to understand format.

I've been searching for the thread on Cornsnakes.com that this was discussed on months ago, but I'm having trouble locating it. I would really like to reference the discussion in this thread, but am having issues. This thread though might help along the discussion here.

Anyway...What I'm getting at is what is your opinion on what should be done with this website? The website will rely heavily on its Contributors, so I'd like to do what I can to make the majority happy.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Co-Dominant - Expression of heterozygous phenotype resulting in hybrid offspring that resemble both parents equally for a particular trait (Hartwell, 2004). Condition in which the phenotypic effects of a gene’s alleles are fully and simultaneously expressed in the heterozygote (Klug, 2003).

Incomplete Dominance - Expression of heterozygous phenotype that is distinct from, and often intermediate to, that of either parent (Klug, 2003). Expression of heterozygous phenotype resulting in offspring whose phenotype is intermediate between those of the parents (Hartwell, 2004).

Reference

Co-Dominant - A relationship between two alleles where both are expressed when they are heterozygous together. When a codominant/codominant pair of alleles are shown in all three configurations, there are three resulting phenotypes

Incomplete Dominance - A type of codominance: a relationship between two alleles where both are partially expressed when they are heterozygous together. When such a pair of alleles are shown in all the configurations, there are three resulting phenotypes.

Reference (2007 Edition)

 

[BryonsBoas]

I say list as it actually is. You wouldn't be doing anyone any favors by listing them under the wrong terminology. If they don't like it, tell'm to go read book and get back to ya.

 

[wyldwurm]

As someone who is still learning all the ins and outs, I would personally appreciate the correct information.

 

[Jerry_c_62]

morph list

Hi Stephanie,

I have a rather extensive list of morphs and combos. I have it in a file at work or on one of my many flash drives. I found a paper copy in my car and could e-mail it to you when I get to work tomorrow unless I find the file I stored it in. PM me your e-mail address, or a fax number and I will send it to you. A quick count on the list gives almost 200 morphs and combos.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Thank you for the opinions thus far, I'd really love to hear what more have to say on the subject.

Jerry, thanks bunches...PM sent!

 

[Jerry_c_62]

That list should be in your e-mail.

 

[axeman]

I say do it the correct way. No sense in continuing to do things the wrong because it's the easy way.

 

[Tiger Lilly]

I gotta agree with everyone else--post the correct info for the betterment of the hobby!

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Using the correct genetics terminology isn't the only controversial topic that's presented itself. I consulted NERD and RDR about Cinny / Black Pastel and Mojave / Butter / Lesser / Phantom. I'm sure that subject is going to bring a lot of arguing and I'm not looking forward to it!

 

[bamasmith]

Your doing this the right way.Keep up the good work!

 

[paulh]

Co-Dominant - A relationship between two alleles where both are expressed when they are heterozygous together. When a codominant/codominant pair of alleles are shown in all three configurations, there are three resulting phenotypes

Reference (2007 Edition)

Besides codominant and incomplete dominant, there are somewhere in the neighborhood of a dozen other terms that can be included under the quoted definition. These include but are not limited to semidominant, partial dominant, transdominant, overdominant, less than dominant, intermediate, etc. This comes from multiple independent discoveries of mutants that did not fit Mendel's dominant/recessive model.

The quoted definition easily parallels the definition for dominant/recessive.

Dominant/Recessive - A relationship between two alleles where only one is expressed when they are heterozygous together. When a dominant/recessive pair of alleles are shown in all three configurations (AA, Aa, and aa), there are two resulting phenotypes, one for aa and one for both AA and Aa.

There is also a growing tendency to use biochemical criteria to distinguish codominant from incomplete dominant (both terms used in the strict sense) mutants. I am not aware of any biochemical information that could be used to so distinguish between mutants in reptiles. That turns the correct application of the terms into guesswork.

So I would got for simplicity. I would describe mutants as just dominant, codominant or recessive to the wild-type or normal allele. At most I would mention that there are a number of other terms that are more or less synonymous with codominant.