What is Leucism?

About Leucism:

• It is an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring.
• It is caused by a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair, or skin.
• In birds, leucism affects only the bird’s feathers, this means they do not have the normal, classic plumage colors.
  • They may have white patches where the bird should not have any, or their overall plumage may look pale or bleached out.

Albinism vs. Leucism:

• Albinism is a rare genetic mutation with a complete absence of (or very little) melanin production.
  • Melanin is a natural pigment in the skin, hair, eyes, and even brain tissue.
  • The type and amount of melanin in animals determine the colour of the skin, hair, and eyes.
• With the lack of melanin production, albinos have white or pinkish coloured skin and red eyes due to the underlying blood vessels showing through from behind the eyes.
• With leucism, there is only a partial loss of melanin production and/or distribution.
  • The animal can have white or patchy coloured skin, hair, and/or feathers. The pigment cells in the eyes, legs, and bills of birds, however, are not affected.

Q1: What is a Gene?

A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA. Some genes act as instructions to make molecules called proteins, which are needed for the body to function. However, many genes do not code for proteins, instead they help control other genes. 

Source: Rare ‘white’ peacock rescued in Coimbatore; to be treated for leg injury