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Scientists from Japan and the United States have recently solved a mystery about why ginger cats are orange. Famous characters like Garfield and Puss in Boots have made these cats popular, but researchers have had a hard time figuring out what causes their unique color. In their research, they found that male ginger cats are missing a specific part of their DNA that helps create the pigments in their skin, eyes, and fur. This discovery is exciting not just for scientists but also for cat lovers who helped fund the study.
For a long time, it was known that genes play an important role in the color of orange tabby cats. However, the exact part of the genetic code responsible for this color was unknown until now. The teams from Kyushu University and Stanford University published their results at the same time, showing that a gene called ARHGAP36 is much more active in the cells that create color. By looking at the DNA of different cats, they discovered that ginger cats have a missing piece in the ARHGAP36 gene, which causes them to produce more pigment.
Another interesting finding is that most ginger cats are male. This is because the gene is located on the X chromosome. Male cats have one X and one Y chromosome, so if the X chromosome is missing the DNA segment, they can still be fully ginger. On the other hand, female cats have two X chromosomes, so both need to be missing the segment for them to be completely ginger, which often leads to mixed colors instead.
The study started as a passion project for Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki, who wanted to learn more about the genetics of orange cats even after retiring. He received support from cat lovers who donated over 10 million yen to help with the research. This shows how science and community can work together, as many people wanted to help understand more about cat health. The findings about the ARHGAP36 gene could also relate to other health issues or behaviors in cats, opening up new areas for research into how genetics affects our furry friends.
Original news source: Decades-long mystery of ginger cats revealed (BBC)
๐ง Listen:
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๐ Vocabulary:
1 | mystery | Something that is difficult to understand or explain |
2 | pigments | Substances that give color to living things |
3 | researchers | People who study a subject in detail to find new information |
4 | genetic | Related to genes, which are parts of DNA that determine traits |
5 | chromosome | Structures in cells that carry genetic information |
6 | segment | A part or section of something larger |
7 | passion | A strong interest or enthusiasm for something |
8 | donated | Gave money or resources to help a cause |
9 | community | A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest |
10 | behaviors | The way someone or something acts |
11 | genetics | The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring |
12 | discovery | Finding something new or learning something for the first time |
13 | unique | Being the only one of its kind; different from others |
14 | published | Made information available to the public, usually in writing |
15 | support | Help or assistance given to someone or something |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out terms related to the article (e.g., ginger cat, DNA, pigment) without speaking, while the other groups guess the term. This will help reinforce vocabulary and comprehension of the article.
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Present the class with a statement based on the article, such as โGinger cats are more interesting than other cats.โ Students will move to different areas of the classroom to show their agreement or disagreement with the statement. Afterward, facilitate a discussion about their opinions and reasons.
– SKETCH IT
Instructions: Have each student draw a quick sketch of a ginger cat and include elements that represent the findings in the article (like DNA strands or the gene ARHGAP36). After they finish, students will share their drawings with a partner and explain their illustrations.
– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In pairs, students will create a catchy headline for the article that captures its main findings. After they come up with their headlines, they can share them with the class, and discuss which ones they think best represent the essence of the research.
– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Pose a question related to the article, such as โHow do you think understanding cat genetics can impact pet care?โ Students will first think about their answer individually, then discuss their thoughts with a partner, and finally share their insights with the whole class.
๐ค Comprehension Questions:
1. What was the main discovery about ginger cats made by scientists from Japan and the United States?
2. Why are famous characters like Garfield and Puss in Boots mentioned in the article?
3. How did researchers determine the role of the ARHGAP36 gene in ginger cats?
4. Why are most ginger cats male, according to the article?
5. What was the motivation behind Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki’s research on orange cats?
6. How did the community contribute to the research on ginger cats?
7. What potential implications do the findings about the ARHGAP36 gene have for understanding other health issues in cats?
8. In what ways does this study highlight the connection between science and community involvement?
Go to answers โฉ
๐งโ๏ธ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Scientists from Japan and the United (1)______ have recently solved a mystery about why ginger cats are orange. Famous characters like Garfield and Puss in Boots have made these cats popular, but researchers have had a hard time (2)______ out what causes their unique (3)______. In their research, they found that male ginger cats are missing a specific part of their DNA that helps (4)______ the pigments in their skin, eyes, and fur. This discovery is exciting not just for scientists but also for cat lovers who helped fund the study.
For a long time, it was known that genes play an important role in the color of orange tabby cats. However, the exact part of the genetic code responsible for this color was unknown until now. The teams from Kyushu (5)______ and (6)______ University published their results at the same time, (7)______ that a gene called ARHGAP36 is much more active in the cells that create color. By (8)______ at the DNA of different cats, they discovered that ginger cats have a missing piece in the ARHGAP36 gene, which causes them to produce more pigment.
Another interesting (9)______ is that most (10)______ cats are male. This is because the gene is located on the X chromosome. Male cats have one X and one Y chromosome, so if the X chromosome is missing the DNA segment, they can still be fully ginger. On the other hand, female cats have two X chromosomes, so both need to be missing the segment for them to be completely ginger, which often leads to (11)______ colors instead.
The (12)______ started as a passion project for Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki, who wanted to learn more about the genetics of orange cats even after retiring. He (13)______ support from cat (14)______ who donated over 10 million yen to help with the research. This (15)______ how science and community can work together, as many people wanted to help understand more about cat health. The findings about the ARHGAP36 gene could also relate to other health issues or behaviors in cats, opening up new areas for research into how genetics affects our (16)______ friends.
Go to answers โฉ
๐ฌ Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your favorite type of cat and why do you like it?
2. How would you feel if you discovered that your pet had a unique genetic trait?
3. Do you think it’s important for scientists to study animal genetics? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had a pet that was a different color than you expected? What was it like?
5. What is a characteristic you think makes animals special?
6. How do you feel about the idea of donating money for scientific research?
7. Why do you think ginger cats are so popular in movies and cartoons?
8. Do you think knowing more about a pet’s genetics can help with their health? Why?
9. How would you react if you found out that your favorite cartoon character was based on real science?
10. What is a unique trait you have that you think makes you special?
11. Do you think there are any downsides to studying animal genetics? Why or why not?
12. How do you feel about the idea of community support for scientific projects?
13. What do you think is the most interesting thing about cats?
14. Have you ever participated in a project or cause you were passionate about? What was it?
15. Do you think more people should learn about the science behind pets? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
๐๐ญ Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. mystery
2. pigments
3. researchers
4. genetic
5. chromosome
6. segment
7. passion
8. donated
9. community
10. behaviors
11. genetics
12. discovery
13. unique
14. published
15. support
Meanings:
(A) People who study a subject in detail to find new information
(B) Help or assistance given to someone or something
(C) Substances that give color to living things
(D) Related to genes, which are parts of DNA that determine traits
(E) Made information available to the public, usually in writing
(F) Gave money or resources to help a cause
(G) Something that is difficult to understand or explain
(H) Structures in cells that carry genetic information
(I) A strong interest or enthusiasm for something
(J) Being the only one of its kind; different from others
(K) Finding something new or learning something for the first time
(L) The way someone or something acts
(M) The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring
(N) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest
(O) A part or section of something larger
Go to answers โฉ
๐ก Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the main focus of the research conducted by scientists from Japan and the United States?
(a) The diet of cats
(b) The behavior of cats
(c) The history of cat breeds
(d) The genetics of ginger cats
2. Which gene is identified as being more active in the cells that create color in ginger cats?
(a) DNA
(b) X chromosome
(c) Y chromosome
(d) ARHGAP36
3. Why are most ginger cats male?
(a) They have one X and one Y chromosome
(b) They are more popular
(c) They are easier to breed
(d) They have a different diet
4. What did Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki do after retiring?
(a) He studied the genetics of orange cats
(b) He became a veterinarian
(c) He wrote a book about cats
(d) He stopped working with cats
5. How much money did cat lovers donate to support the research?
(a) Over 5 million yen
(b) Over 1 million yen
(c) Over 10 million yen
(d) Over 20 million yen
6. What is the significance of the ARHGAP36 gene findings?
(a) They explain why cats purr
(b) They show how to train cats
(c) They could relate to other health issues in cats
(d) They help in breeding cats
7. What type of cats are mentioned as popular characters in media?
(a) Siamese cats
(b) Ginger cats
(c) Persian cats
(d) Bengal cats
8. What role did the community play in the research on ginger cats?
(a) They provided cats for the research
(b) They helped fund the study
(c) They wrote articles about the findings
(d) They organized events for cat lovers
Go to answers โฉ
๐ต๏ธ True or False Questions:
1. The gene responsible for the orange color in ginger cats is called ARHGAP36.
2. Most ginger cats are male because the gene is located on the X chromosome.
3. Male calico cats lack a specific part of their DNA that helps produce color patterns.
4. The study was started by Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki as a passion project after his retirement.
5. Female calico cats need both of their X chromosomes to be missing the DNA segment to be fully ginger.
6. Scientists from Japan and the United States studied why calico cats are orange.
7. The research was funded by cat lovers who donated over 10 million yen.
8. The findings about the ARHGAP36 gene might help researchers understand other behavioral issues in cats.
Go to answers โฉ
๐ Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!
1. What did scientists discover about the DNA of ginger cats that explains their orange color?
2. Why are most ginger cats male according to the article?
3. How did Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki get support for his research on orange cats?
4. What is the significance of the ARHGAP36 gene in relation to ginger cats?
5. How might the findings from this research help with other health issues in cats?
โ Answers
๐คโ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What was the main discovery about ginger cats made by scientists from Japan and the United States?
Scientists discovered that male ginger cats are missing a specific part of their DNA that helps create the pigments in their skin, eyes, and fur, particularly linked to the ARHGAP36 gene.
2. Why are famous characters like Garfield and Puss in Boots mentioned in the article?
They are mentioned to highlight the popularity of ginger cats and how they have captured the public’s interest, making the research on their genetics even more relevant.
3. How did researchers determine the role of the ARHGAP36 gene in ginger cats?
Researchers looked at the DNA of different cats and found that the ARHGAP36 gene is much more active in the cells that create color, and they discovered that ginger cats have a missing piece in this gene.
4. Why are most ginger cats male, according to the article?
Most ginger cats are male because the gene responsible for their color is located on the X chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, so they can be fully ginger with just one missing DNA segment, unlike females who need both X chromosomes to be missing the segment.
5. What was the motivation behind Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki’s research on orange cats?
Professor Sasaki was motivated by a personal interest in the genetics of orange cats, even after retiring, and wanted to learn more about them.
6. How did the community contribute to the research on ginger cats?
The community contributed by donating over 10 million yen to support Professor Sasaki’s research, showing that many people wanted to help understand more about cat health.
7. What potential implications do the findings about the ARHGAP36 gene have for understanding other health issues in cats?
The findings could relate to other health issues or behaviors in cats, opening up new areas for research into how genetics affects their overall health.
8. In what ways does this study highlight the connection between science and community involvement?
The study shows how community support can help scientists conduct research, as cat lovers contributed funding to help uncover important genetic information about ginger cats.
Go back to questions โง
๐งโ๏ธโ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) States
(2) figuring
(3) color
(4) create
(5) University
(6) Stanford
(7) showing
(8) looking
(9) finding
(10) ginger
(11) mixed
(12) study
(13) received
(14) lovers
(15) shows
(16) furry
Go back to questions โง
๐๐ญโ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. mystery
Answer: (G) Something that is difficult to understand or explain
2. pigments
Answer: (C) Substances that give color to living things
3. researchers
Answer: (A) People who study a subject in detail to find new information
4. genetic
Answer: (D) Related to genes, which are parts of DNA that determine traits
5. chromosome
Answer: (H) Structures in cells that carry genetic information
6. segment
Answer: (O) A part or section of something larger
7. passion
Answer: (I) A strong interest or enthusiasm for something
8. donated
Answer: (F) Gave money or resources to help a cause
9. community
Answer: (N) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest
10. behaviors
Answer: (L) The way someone or something acts
11. genetics
Answer: (M) The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring
12. discovery
Answer: (K) Finding something new or learning something for the first time
13. unique
Answer: (J) Being the only one of its kind; different from others
14. published
Answer: (E) Made information available to the public, usually in writing
15. support
Answer: (B) Help or assistance given to someone or something
Go back to questions โง
๐กโ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the main focus of the research conducted by scientists from Japan and the United States?
Answer: (d) The genetics of ginger cats
2. Which gene is identified as being more active in the cells that create color in ginger cats?
Answer: (d) ARHGAP36
3. Why are most ginger cats male?
Answer: (a) They have one X and one Y chromosome
4. What did Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki do after retiring?
Answer: (a) He studied the genetics of orange cats
5. How much money did cat lovers donate to support the research?
Answer: (c) Over 10 million yen
6. What is the significance of the ARHGAP36 gene findings?
Answer: (c) They could relate to other health issues in cats
7. What type of cats are mentioned as popular characters in media?
Answer: (b) Ginger cats
8. What role did the community play in the research on ginger cats?
Answer: (b) They helped fund the study
Go back to questions โง
๐ต๏ธโ True or False Answers:
1. The gene responsible for the orange color in ginger cats is called ARHGAP36. (Answer: True)
2. Most ginger cats are male because the gene is located on the X chromosome. (Answer: True)
3. Male calico cats lack a specific part of their DNA that helps produce color patterns. (Answer: False)
4. The study was started by Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki as a passion project after his retirement. (Answer: True)
5. Female calico cats need both of their X chromosomes to be missing the DNA segment to be fully ginger. (Answer: False)
6. Scientists from Japan and the United States studied why calico cats are orange. (Answer: False)
7. The research was funded by cat lovers who donated over 10 million yen. (Answer: True)
8. The findings about the ARHGAP36 gene might help researchers understand other behavioral issues in cats. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions โง